backstroke

noun

back·​stroke ˈbak-ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick

backstroker

ˈbak-ˌstrō-kər 

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

Four of those belong to Smith, who placed second in the 50-meter backstroke, the 100-meter backstroke, the 200-meter backstroke and the 200-meter butterfly. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025

Defending champion and world-record holder Kaylee McKeown of Australia won gold again, taking the 200-meter backstroke in 2:03.33. —Stephen Wade, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2025

In the men’s 200-meter backstroke, China’s Qin Haiyang rebounded from a disappointing Olympic performance to win gold in 2:07.41. —Zack Pierce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

Lakeville’s Regan Smith recorded a season-best time in the 200-meter backstroke final at the World Championships on Saturday in Singapore, touching the wall in 2 minutes, 4.29 seconds. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke

Kids Definition

backstroke

noun

back·​stroke -ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward