# backstroke

/ˈbækˌstɹoʊk/ (US) · /bˈækstɹəʊk/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backstroke
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a way of swimming on your back, with your arms moving in circles over your head.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.