backstroke

noun

back·​stroke ˈbak-ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick
backstroker noun

Examples of backstroke in a Sentence

She got into the pool and began to do the backstroke. She won the 50-meter backstroke.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Senior Grant Bochenski won the men’s 100-yard backstroke with a time of 45.86 seconds. Columbia Missourian, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2025 Alex Walsh was disqualified from the 200m IM for not completing the backstroke leg fully on her back. Rachel G Bowers, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2024 Coventry was the back-to-back Olympic champion in the 200-meter backstroke in 2004 and 2008. Gerald Imray, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Coventry competed in five Olympic Games, winning two gold medals in the 200-meter backstroke, seven individual medals total, the most by an African athlete in any sport and equaling the most by a female swimmer. Scott M. Reid, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backstroke

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstroke was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

backstroke

noun
back·​stroke -ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward

More from Merriam-Webster on backstroke

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