backstroke

[ bak-strohk ]

noun

a backhanded stroke.
Swimming. a stroke made while on one's back.

a blow or stroke in return; recoil.

verb (used without object),back·stroked, back·strok·ing.

Swimming. to swim the backstroke: She backstroked across the pool.

Origin of backstroke

First recorded in 1665–75; back² + stroke¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 forth: Compare 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

Browse