backstroke

American  

[bak-strohk] / ˈbækˌstroʊk /

noun

1. a backhanded stroke.

2. Swimming. a stroke made while on one's back.

3. a blow or stroke in return; recoil.

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verb (used without object)

backstroked, backstroking

1. Swimming. to swim the backstroke.

   She backstroked across the pool.

backstroke British  

/ ˈbækˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. Also called: back 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

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verb

1. (intr) to swim the backstroke

Etymology

Origin of backstroke

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

Example Sentences

France's Marie Wattel won the women's 50m fly in 26.01 and France's Yohann Ndoye Brouard won the men's 50m backstroke in 24.94 -- just six-hundredths of a second in front of American Shaine Casas.

From Barron's • Jan. 18, 2026

McKeown, a five-time Olympic gold medallist who claimed a backstroke double at this year's World Championships in Singapore, led an Aussie one-two ahead of Mollie O'Callaghan.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

Australian Kaylee McKeown clocked a sizzling 25.42sec to win the women's 50m backstroke at the World Cup short course meeting in Carmel, Indiana, on Friday.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

Also contributing to the boys’ win was senior Jean Darbo, who took first in the 100 backstroke in 51.91.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2025

To help someone who’s drowning, you put your arm around them from behind and kick your legs in front of you, moving backward like you’re doing the backstroke.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan