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.
Jones broke the 100 backstroke ice swimming world record in the prelims with a time of 59.01. Casey Murphy, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 But Walsh, who won a silver in the event in Tokyo, was disqualified for an inappropriate turn from backstroke to breaststroke, according to USA Swimming. Alice Park / Nanterre, TIME, 3 Aug. 2024 Ryan Murphy, a bedrock of Team USA for more than a decade in the backstroke, earned bronze in the 100 back but failed to qualify for the final in the 200 back. Nicole Auerbach, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024 There, guests can swim amid psychedelic colored wrasses and butterflyfish, and backstroke with barracudas and reef sharks. Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 19 Mar. 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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