backstroke
noun
back·stroke
ˈbak-ˌstrōk 
: a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick
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
Also in 1912: Harry Hebner, who learned how to swim at a YMCA in Chicago, won a gold medal during the Olympics in Stockholm with a time of 1 minute, 21 seconds in the 100-meter backstroke.
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Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
In addition to the men’s and women’s 50 meter free, a staple in the pool since 1988, golds will be available in the 50 meter backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, bringing the total number of swimming titles to 43.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Teammate Dawson Rice won the 100 backstroke in 51.18 seconds.
—Stephen Tobey, Boston Herald, 23 Feb. 2025
Helmers ended up fifth in both the 100 backstroke (52.74) and the 200 individual medley (1:55.79), while Beaudette was seventh in the 100 breaststroke (59.96) and Ondracek was 11th in the 200 freestyle (1:48.29).
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
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Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
In addition to the men’s and women’s 50 meter free, a staple in the pool since 1988, golds will be available in the 50 meter backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, bringing the total number of swimming titles to 43.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Teammate Dawson Rice won the 100 backstroke in 51.18 seconds.
—Stephen Tobey, Boston Herald, 23 Feb. 2025
Helmers ended up fifth in both the 100 backstroke (52.74) and the 200 individual medley (1:55.79), while Beaudette was seventh in the 100 breaststroke (59.96) and Ondracek was 11th in the 200 freestyle (1:48.29).
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstroke
Cite this Entry
“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backstroke
noun
back·stroke
-ˌstrōk
: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward
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