breaststroke

American  

[brest-strohk, bres-] / ˈbrɛstˌstroʊk, ˈbrɛs- /

noun

1. Swimming. a stroke made in the prone position, in which both hands move simultaneously forward, outward, and rearward from in front of the chest while the legs move in a frog kick.

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verb (used without object)

breaststroked, breaststroking

1. to swim using the breaststroke.

breaststroke British  

/ ˈbrɛstˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. a swimming stroke in which the arms are extended in front of the head and swept back on either side while the legs are drawn up beneath the body and thrust back together

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• breaststroker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of breaststroke

First recorded in 1865–70; breast + stroke ¹

Explanation

The breaststroke is a swimming style that doesn't require you to turn your head or upper body. When you swim the breaststroke, your arms and legs make frog-like movements through the water. Many recreational swimmers use the breaststroke, which keeps you on your chest, popping your head straight up to take a breath between strokes. It's also the slowest competitive swimming stroke, but it still requires powerfully strong shoulders and arms. The frog kick part of the breaststroke propels you forward under water, and the arm movement happens as you come up for air.

Example Sentences

Marchand, who counted the 200m breaststroke among his four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was third at the 100m mark.

From Barron's • Jan. 18, 2026

"It was utter shock," says Goodburn, who reached the semi-finals of the 50m and the 100m breaststroke at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

She made Olympic history two years later when, aged 15, she became the youngest person to win the 100m breaststroke.

From BBC • May 19, 2025

Devis has dominated his two individual events since his sophomore year and on Saturday he won the breaststroke, his favorite event, in 56.35 seconds and the butterfly in a personal-best 49.59 seconds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2025

After that, Jonathan stayed with the breaststroke, changing to a dog paddle when he got tired.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret