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
Oregon led 34-6 at halftime, but James Madison scored 28 points in the second half to attempt to keep the game competitive down the stretch.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
If the defense can show some consistency down the stretch, Eberflus will at least have one argument to remain in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Dec. 2025
In Northern California and the Central Valley — including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno — forecasters say steady rain could finally break the stretch of stubborn fog that has hung over the region for weeks.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Both teams are 7-7 and will see plenty of each other down the stretch, meeting twice in the final three weeks.
—Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the stretch
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.
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
If the defense can show some consistency down the stretch, Eberflus will at least have one argument to remain in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Dec. 2025
In Northern California and the Central Valley — including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno — forecasters say steady rain could finally break the stretch of stubborn fog that has hung over the region for weeks.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Both teams are 7-7 and will see plenty of each other down the stretch, meeting twice in the final three weeks.
—Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
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 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share