backstroke

noun

back·​stroke ˈbak-ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick
backstroker noun

Examples of backstroke in a Sentence

She got into the pool and began to do the backstroke. She won the 50-meter backstroke.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rising junior, who specializes in the backstroke and individual medley, swam her first two years at Canisius and was the Co-Rookie of the Meet at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships in 2025. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026 Imagine doing the backstroke in the Backrooms money pool like Scrooge McDuck. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 June 2026 Out in the bay, swimmers in old-timey swim caps practice backstrokes and water skiers zigzag about. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026 The backstroke was his specialty. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstroke

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstroke was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

backstroke

noun
back·​stroke -ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward

More from Merriam-Webster on backstroke

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster