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.
With many athletes, including Sarah Sjostrom absence from the World Cup, Haughey has also claimed gold in both 100-meter backstroke races at both stops so far. Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Featuring different swims at different distances, athletes compete in breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, and medley. Molly Higgins, WIRED, 19 Aug. 2024 Hubert Kos, who will be a junior swimmer at UT this upcoming school year, won the men's 200-meter backstroke race this past Thursday. Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Aug. 2024 The medley relay features all four strokes — backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near backstroke

Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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