Backstroke

Pronunciation

Origin

back + stroke

Full definition of backstroke

Noun

1. A swimming stroke swum lying on one's back, while rotating both arms through the water as to propel the swimmer backwards.
2. (bellringing) The pull on the tail of the rope that swings the bell through a full circle (compare handstroke)

Synonyms

• back crawl

Related terms

• breaststroke
• butterfly stroke
• sidestroke

Verb

1. To swim the backstroke.