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

Don’t be surprised by a furious offensive onslaught from Soto down the stretch. —Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Despite the struggles of Bednar, Doval and Bird in their team debuts on Friday, the Yankees hope their new-look bullpen can be a game-shortening weapon down the stretch and into October. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025

The All-Star third baseman appears poised to lead the Sox down the stretch. —Daniel A. Gilbert, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025

In acquiring those players for the stretch run, the Cubs did not give up any of their top prospects. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for the stretch

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