Definition

1. Noun:

   • A swimming stroke performed on the back: "backstroke" refers to a specific swimming style where the swimmer lies on their back, moving their arms alternately in a windmill-like motion while performing a flutter kick.
   • A race or event using this stroke: In competitive swimming, "backstroke" also denotes a race in which swimmers must use this specific stroke.

2. Verb:

   • To swim using the backstroke: The action of swimming on one's back using the specific arm and leg motions of the backstroke.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke.
  • Learning the backstroke is easier for some beginners because the face stays out of the water.

• Verb:

  • He can backstroke the entire length of the pool without stopping.
  • We watched the athletes backstroke effortlessly across the lake.

Advanced Usage

• "to do the backstroke": to swim using this specific stroke.
  • On hot days, I love to just float and do the backstroke in the pool.

Variants and Related Words

• Backstroker (n): A swimmer who specializes in the backstroke.
  • She is a talented backstroker on the national team.

Synonyms

• Back crawl: A more technical term for the same stroke.
• Swimming on one's back: A descriptive phrase for the action.

Noun

1. a swimming stroke that resembles the crawl except the swimmer lies on his or her back

Verb

1. swim on one's back