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.
Coronado senior Gage Everitt goes for an encore win in the 100 backstroke and bids for a first-time title with a move to the 100 freestyle. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 The place is blessedly distraction-free, leaving you plenty of time to hike around, go saltwater fishing off the dock, hunt for mussels at low tide, do the backstroke in the harbor as seagulls soar overhead, and search for shells and sea glass along the beach. Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 Her interest in swimming only grew at boarding school, where she was allowed to use the pool on her own in the mornings, mostly doing the backstroke. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Kós also broke the NCAA record in the 100 backstroke earlier this meet. ABC News, 28 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 11 May. 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

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