backstroke

[ bak-strohk ]

noun

1. a backhanded stroke.
2. Swimming. a stroke made while on one's back.
3. a blow or stroke in return; recoil.

verb (used without object)

, back·stroked, back·strok·ing.

1. Swimming. to swim the backstroke:

   She backstroked across the pool.

backstroke

/ ˈbækˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. Also calledback crawl swimming
   1. a stroke performed on the back, using backward circular strokes of each arm alternately and flipper movements of the feet
   2. ( as modifier )

      the backstroke champion

2. a return stroke or blow
3. a backhanded stroke
4. Leisure:Bell-ringing the upward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings back and forth Compare handstroke

verb

1. intr to swim the backstroke

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstroke¹

First recorded in 1665–75; back ² + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

He recounted that he was "really, really far out... much further than the end of the pier" before he gained his breath and swam backstroke to stay afloat.

From BBC

There were two S12 golds for Stephen Clegg in 100m events - the backstroke and butterfly finals - adding to the three medals he won in Tokyo three years ago.

From BBC

Nineteen-year-old Maskill won three golds on her Paralympic debut, the most of any Britons in this summer, triumphing in the S14 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly and mixed 4x100 m freestyle relay.

From BBC

Tai's golds came in the S8 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke, while Kinghorn took four silvers behind Catherine Debrunner in T53 events, but beat the Swiss star in the 100m.

From BBC

She competed in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events at the Olympic trials.

From Los Angeles Times