individual medley

noun

, Swimming.

1. a race in which the total distance is either divided into three equal portions, in which each swimmer uses the backstroke for the first portion, the breaststroke for the second portion, and the freestyle for the third, or the total distance is divided into four equal portions, in which each swimmer uses the butterfly stroke for the first portion and then the other strokes used follow the same pattern as in the three-part medley. Compare medley relay ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of individual medley¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Look for her to crush again in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley.

From Outside Online

His most important two minutes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 1, during the first heat of the 200-meter individual medley.

From The Daily Beast

The two will also go head-to-head in the 200-meter individual medley.

From The Daily Beast