backstroke
[ bak-strohk ]
/ ˈbækˌstroʊk /
Save This Word!
noun
verb (used without object), back·stroked, back·strok·ing.
Swimming. to swim the backstroke: She backstroked across the pool.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT 
Meet Grammar Coach
Improve Your Writing
Words nearby backstroke
backstory, back straight, backstrap loom, back street, backstretch, backstroke, backstroker, backswept, backswimmer, backswing, backsword
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for backstroke
British Dictionary definitions for backstroke
backstroke
/ (ˈbækˌstrəʊk) /
noun
Also called: back crawl swimming
- a stroke performed on the back, using backward circular strokes of each arm alternately and flipper movements of the feet
- (as modifier)the backstroke champion
a return stroke or blow
mainly US a backhanded stroke
bell-ringing the upward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings back and forthCompare handstroke
verb
(intr) to swim the backstroke
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012