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backstretch

American  
[bak-strech] / ˈbækˈstrɛtʃ /

noun

  1. the straight part of a race track opposite the part leading to the finish line.

Etymology

Origin of backstretch

First recorded in 1830–40; back 1 + stretch

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His early speed and front-running ability likely means he’ll be on the lead as the horses head down the backstretch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

Clever Again broke on top and led down the backstretch with Gosger just behind him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2025

Larson pulled behind Buescher on the backstretch of the last lap, then came around him on the outside of the final corner.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

Bowman was bump-drafting Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron on the backstretch with nine laps to go when Byron lost control, turned into Brad Keselowski and pretty much wrecked the field.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 19, 2024

He went to the backstretch and strolled around with Woolf.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.