ENGLISH
REFERENCE

strokes

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈstɹoʊks// UK //stɹˈəʊks// strokes

n. the movements you make with your hand or a tool when you are painting, writing, or swimming. It can also mean a gentle touch with your hand.

n. the individual movements of a pen, brush, or arm in a repetitive or artistic activity. Often refers to the specific style of movement in sports like swimming or rowing.


SIMPLE

She painted the sky with long, blue strokes.

CONTEXTUAL

The coach watched my swimming strokes carefully to help me move faster through the water.

COMPLEX

The artist's later works are defined by thick, aggressive strokes that convey a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil not present in his earlier, more delicate sketches.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in plural form when describing a style of painting or a physical activity.

Idioms4 entries

© 2026 English Reference