breaststroke

noun

breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by coordinating a kick in which the legs are brought forward with the knees together and the feet are turned outward and whipped back with a glide and a backward sweeping movement of the arms

breaststroker

ˈbres(t)-ˌstrō-kər 

noun

Examples of breaststroke in a Sentence

I'll be competing in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Recent Examples on the Web

With direct access to the beach—and a beloved surf break just a few breaststrokes from shore—the 252-room resort draws outdoorsy travelers. —Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025

Miller took second place in the 100 breaststroke, just four-hundredths off Sauk Rapids Rice’s Kate Walz’s winning time of 1 minute, 3.90 seconds. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2025

Caldas dominated in the women's age 45-49 category in five races, including the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, the freestyle and the 100-yard individual medley. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

There, David competed in several events, placing as high as sixth in the 200-yard individual medley, while Carol claimed gold in the 50-yard breaststroke. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breaststroke

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

Kids Definition

breaststroke

noun

breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke performed by extending the arms in front of the head while drawing the knees forward and outward and then sweeping the arms back with palms out while kicking backward and outward