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.

---

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

---

verb

1. (intr) to swim the backstroke

Etymology

Origin of backstroke

First recorded in 1665–75; back ² + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

Hungarian Hubert Kos also got in on the world record action, winning the 100m backstroke in 48.16sec to complete a perfect nine-for-nine run in this season's World Cup backstroke events.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

Australia's five-time Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown turned the tables on world record-holder Regan Smith in the women's 200m backstroke with a win in 1min 58.86sec.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

Australian Kaylee McKeown clocked a sizzling 25.42sec to win the women's 50m backstroke at the World Cup short course meeting in Carmel, Indiana, on Friday.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

Also contributing to the boys’ win was senior Jean Darbo, who took first in the 100 backstroke in 51.91.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2025

First they raced freestyle, then backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull