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 After coming into the season at a time of around 57 seconds in the 100 backstroke, Thomas gotten down to 53.4 earlier this season. Zac Bellman, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2024 Bronze: Brendan Burns, swimming: NCAA champion in 100-yard backstroke, runner-up in 200 butterfly for IU. David Woods, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Jan. 2024 In 2016, Murphy made his Olympic debut in Rio and won the men's 100m and 200m backstroke gold medals. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 3 Oct. 2023 Katie Ledecky should win both women’s distance events and Ryan Murphy both men’s backstrokes. John Powers, BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2023 Following the opening ceremonies on July 28, Mead competed and advanced to the semifinals in both the 50m backstroke and the 100m backstroke. Melissa Whatley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2023 The sophomore placed fifth in the 100 backstroke and sixth in the 100 butterfly. Carter Yates, Dallas News, 10 Feb. 2023 The holder of the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke records, Noguchi has the 100 butterfly as a target as well as returning in the 100 back for his two individual races in the section championships May 3-6 at Granite Hills. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2023 After a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke earlier in the week, Marks responded with a bronze medal win in the women’s 200-meter individual medley SM6. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backstroke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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