backstroke

views updated May 29 2018

back·stroke / ˈbakˌstrōk/ • n. [in sing.] a swimming stroke performed on the back with the arms lifted alternately out of the water in a backward circular motion and the legs extended and kicking. ∎  (the backstroke) a race, typically of a specified length or kind, in which such a style of swimming is used: he was fifth in the 200-meter backstroke.DERIVATIVES: back·strok·er n.