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

Explanation

When you swim the backstroke, you lie on your back in the water and move your arms up and back over your head while you kick your feet. It's hard to see where you're going when you do the backstroke. If you swim competitively on a swim team, the backstroke is one of the four official strokes for racing. Some swimmers prefer the backstroke because it's easier to breathe than when you swim face-down, though it's harder to tell how close you are to the pool wall. You can also use backstroke as a verb: "I'll just backstroke over to the shallow end and say hi to my friend."

Example Sentences

Challis became Paralympics GB's youngest medallist at Tokyo 2020 when she reached the podium in the Women's S3 50m Backstroke on her Games debut.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2023

At the Aquatics Centre, Morgyn Peters is among the morning's competitors in the S9 100m Backstroke and hoping to qualify for the evening's final.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2012

"Backstroke was all right for how tired I am," said Lochte, who announced he's taking the rest of the meet off.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2011

Backstroke Champion Adolph Kiefer lowered his own meet record in the 100-meter championship to 1 min.

From Time Magazine Archive