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

• 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

Adam Peaty puts on an "astonishing" performance in the men's 100m breaststroke final, with a time of 58.97 seconds at the Acquatics Great British Swimming Championships.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

With his bushy moustache and long hair hidden by a swimming cap, he won 200m breaststroke gold at the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

American Van Mathias won the men's 50m breaststroke in a quick 26.89sec with Kyrgyzstan's Denis Petrashov second in 27.12.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

Granada Hills won all three relays and sophomore Isabella San Jose won the 200 individual medley in 2:08.62 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:03.69, then anchored the 4x100 freestyle relay.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2025

He drifted forward in the water until he could breaststroke gently, barely rippling the calm surface.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen