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

After shaving a second off her previous best time on the backstroke leg, McIntosh was still a tenth of a second off Hosszú’s previous record pace at the final turn.

From Los Angeles Times

She also set a record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 51.09.

From Los Angeles Times

Swimming will feature six more medal opportunities by adding men’s and women’s 50-meter events for backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly to the current 50-meter freestyle race.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether the music adds extra flavor to his raging action scenes or amplifies an episode’s lazy backstroke through existential loneliness, you feel his work’s best moments in your bones.

From Salon

He recounted that he was "really, really far out... much further than the end of the pier" before he gained his breath and swam backstroke to stay afloat.

From BBC