butterfly stroke
Noun: A competitive swimming stroke performed on the chest, characterized by a simultaneous overhead arm movement and an undulating dolphin kick. Both arms move together in a symmetrical, circular motion, recovering above the water surface, while the legs execute a powerful, simultaneous up-and-down kick.
The term "butterfly stroke" is used to name the specific swimming style itself. It is a formal term used in instruction, competition, and general discussion of swimming techniques. - She has been practicing the butterfly stroke for months to improve her time. - The butterfly stroke is considered one of the most physically demanding swimming styles. - Which stroke do you find more challenging, breaststroke or butterfly stroke?
- Technical Context: In competitive swimming, the stroke is governed by strict rules (e.g., both arms must move simultaneously, and the body must remain on the surface except during turns and the finish).
- His butterfly stroke was disqualified because his arm recovery was not symmetrical.
- Informal Shortening: Often shortened colloquially to "the butterfly" or "fly" (especially in the context of individual medley events: "the 200m fly").
- Her best event is the 100-meter butterfly.
- Butterfly (noun): The common shortened form of "butterfly stroke."
- He won the gold medal in the 200m butterfly.
- Fly (noun): An abbreviated term used primarily in competitive swimming schedules and results.
- She is swimming the fly leg of the medley relay.
- Dolphin stroke: A less common synonym that references the undulating, dolphin-like body and leg movement integral to the stroke.
- Swim butterfly: The verb phrase for performing the stroke.
- He can swim butterfly for an entire lap without getting exhausted.
- Butterfly kick: Refers specifically to the leg movement used in the stroke, which is also used underwater during starts and turns in other strokes.
- A strong butterfly kick is essential for a fast turn.
- a swimming stroke in which the arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the feet kick up and down