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
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
Virginia junior Claire Curzan repeated as champion in the 100-yard backstroke on Friday and the Cavaliers remained in first place heading into the final day of the women’s swimming and diving championships.
—
ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a women’s 100m backstroke bronze medalist in the 1985 Southeast Asian Games, according to Rappler.
—Ryan Brennan
march 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
The 100-yard backstroke was the only swimming event in which the Cadets did not have a top-three finisher.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for backstroke
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ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a women’s 100m backstroke bronze medalist in the 1985 Southeast Asian Games, according to Rappler.
—Ryan Brennan
march 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
The 100-yard backstroke was the only swimming event in which the Cadets did not have a top-three finisher.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for backstroke
Cite this Entry
“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backstroke
noun
back·stroke
-ˌstrōk
: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward
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