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

Cox won the 100 butterfly as a junior last year and earned silver in the 100 backstroke. —Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026

Podiums in the 100 backstroke by Hudson Roybal and 100 breaststroke by Will Currey completed the state-title winning performance. —Aro Majumder, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026

The younger Foley, who contributed four points from his placement in the 100 backstroke, also reflected on the family lineage and how his role has expanded with the program. —Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026

MacArthur’s Olivia Gonzalez qualified in two events by finishing second in the 100 backstroke and 100 backstroke. —David Hinojosa, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2026

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