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

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

France's Marie Wattel won the women's 50m fly in 26.01 and France's Yohann Ndoye Brouard won the men's 50m backstroke in 24.94 -- just six-hundredths of a second in front of American Shaine Casas.

From Barron's • Jan. 18, 2026

Marchand returned to tackle a less familiar event, clocking 1:57.90 to finish second in the 200m backstroke won by compatriot Yohann Ndoye Brouard in 1:56.68.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

World record-holder Regan Smith of the United States came from behind to edge Aussie rival Kaylee McKeown in the 100m backstroke with a time of 54.92sec.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

Garfield has no pool but it didn’t stop Kelia Naranjo from winning City Section 100 backstroke title.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2025

To help someone who’s drowning, you put your arm around them from behind and kick your legs in front of you, moving backward like you’re doing the backstroke.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan