Word
backstroke
Phoneticsback·stroke, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbækˌstɹoʊk/
UK/bˈækstɹəʊk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a way of swimming on your back, with your arms moving in circles over your head.
n. a swimming stroke performed on the back, with alternating overarm movements and a flutter kick.
Examples
“She learns backstroke in her swimming class.”
“He prefers backstroke because he can breathe easily while looking at the sky.”
“Her backstroke improved after the coach corrected her arm entry and taught her to keep her hips high in the water.”
Examples
simple
“She learns backstroke in her swimming class.”
contextual
“He prefers backstroke because he can breathe easily while looking at the sky.”
complex
“Her backstroke improved after the coach corrected her arm entry and taught her to keep her hips high in the water.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “backstroke” in context.
Verb
01. compete in backstroke
“She will compete in backstroke at the school competition.”
verb + prep + noun
02. excel at backstroke
“My sister excels at backstroke and wins many races.”
verb + prep + noun
03. learn backstroke
“The children are learning backstroke in their swimming class.”
verb + noun
04. practice backstroke
“We practice backstroke every Tuesday at the pool.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. competitive backstroke
“He started training for competitive backstroke last year.”
adj + noun
06. olympic backstroke
“She won a silver medal in the Olympic backstroke in Tokyo.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. backstroke event
“The 100-metre backstroke event starts at 10 a.m.”
noun + noun
08. backstroke final
“She qualified for the women's backstroke final.”
noun + noun
09. backstroke race
“He finished second in the backstroke race yesterday.”
noun + noun
10. backstroke technique
“Good backstroke technique helps you stay straight in the water.”
noun + noun
11. compete in the backstroke event
“Two British swimmers will compete in the backstroke event.”
12. learn the basics of backstroke
“In this course, you will learn the basics of backstroke.”
Etymology
From back + stroke.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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