the stretch

noun

: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line

the horses are in the (final) stretch

—often used figuratively

She'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

With the trade deadline approaching, the Cardinals seem positioned to convert May's productive season into future assets while giving contenders another experienced starting option for the stretch run. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Pretenders have all been exposed, as contenders attempt to create even more separation from the pack down the stretch. — John Laghezza, New York Times, 31 July 2026

From the achingly cool entrance that frames the stretch of private beach in front, to the half-moon infinity pool that perfectly kisses the ocean beyond it, island living doesn’t get much better, much freer, than this. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Under the heady ride of turf expert Hector Berrios, Gold Phoenix saved ground inside, held off 3-5 favorite Formidable Man down the stretch and caught Cabo Spirit near the wire to win the $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026

Rhymes for the stretch

• etch
• fetch
• fletch
• ketch
• sketch
• vetch
• wretch