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

Not only did Mims hit his stride down the stretch last season, not allowing a sack or hit on Burrow from the moment the quarterback returned on Thanksgiving, but his confidence and execution hit new levels in recent months. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The right-hander, on an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, is one of the potential options for the Chicago White Sox if the team dips into the minor leagues for pitching help down the stretch. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Otherwise, the Broncos hit the stretch run ahead of their Monday night season opener at Kansas City with every player on the roster healthy. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026

But Herbert seemed to will the team there, while the defense stepped up big time in key moments down the stretch. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for the stretch

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