the stretch
noun
: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line
the horses are in the (final) stretch
—often used figurativelyShe's in the final stretch. The baby's due next month.
They will wind up the season with a winning record having won some crucial games down the stretch.
Examples of the stretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The game became physical as play went on and the Legacy played tight defense down the stretch to earn the tie.
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Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
The South African made birdie on six of his opening nine holes, picked up another four birdies down the stretch, and managed to post his second consecutive round of 63 to secure the insanely impressive 14-shot victory at 28-under par.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
The linen shirt stays breathable even in peak humidity and layers easily over swimwear, while the stretch shorts offer structure without stiffness.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Shakira Austin made four free throws down the stretch and the Washington Mystics held on to beat the expansion Tempo 68-65 on Friday night, disappointing a sellout crowd of 8,210 at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
—Ian Harrison, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
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Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
The South African made birdie on six of his opening nine holes, picked up another four birdies down the stretch, and managed to post his second consecutive round of 63 to secure the insanely impressive 14-shot victory at 28-under par.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
The linen shirt stays breathable even in peak humidity and layers easily over swimwear, while the stretch shorts offer structure without stiffness.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Shakira Austin made four free throws down the stretch and the Washington Mystics held on to beat the expansion Tempo 68-65 on Friday night, disappointing a sellout crowd of 8,210 at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
—Ian Harrison, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
Cite this Entry
“The stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20stretch. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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