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.
Following this, at her debut Short-Course Championships, Regan Smith helped team U.S.A. win gold with the fastest 100-meter backstroke time, leading the mixed medley relay in 54.19. Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 Ryan Murphy got bronze in the 100 back but didn’t qualify for the final in the 200, disappointing results for the backstroke specialist. Nicole Auerbach, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024 Regan Smith and Katherine Berkoff earned silver and bronze in the women’s 100-meter backstroke; Bobby Finke took silver in the 800 freestyle and the U.S. was second to Britain in the men’s 800 freestyle relay. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024 The United States swimmer Ryan Murphy is currently attempting to do something unprecedented by winning medals in both the 100- and 200-meter backstrokes for three Olympics in a row. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near backstroke

Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 20 Jan. 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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