What does backstroke mean?
Backstroke is a noun denoting a swimming stroke performed while the swimmer lies on their back, characterised by alternating circular movements of the arms above the head and a continuous flutter kick. Because the swimmer's face remains above water, breathing is unrestricted, making the stroke comparatively relaxing for recreational swimmers even though it demands strong body rotation and spatial awareness at speed. It is one of the four recognised strokes in competitive swimming, featured both in its own events — named by distance, as in the 100-metre backstroke — and in the individual medley. A secondary, older sense refers to any stroke or blow delivered with the back of the hand or racket, a usage that survives mainly in sports commentary. Informally, backstroke can also function as a verb meaning to swim on one's back. Familiar, neutral in tone, and universally understood among English speakers, it is essential vocabulary for anyone discussing swimming, fitness, or aquatic sport.
A swimming stroke performed while floating on the back, using alternating circular arm motions and a flutter kick.
"She set a new personal best in the 200-metre backstroke."
Also called the back crawl in technical contexts.
A stroke or blow delivered with the back of the hand, racket, or other implement.
"He parried the attack with a swift backstroke of his blade."
An older sense, now largely confined to sports commentary and historical writing.
To swim using the backstroke.
"They spent the afternoon backstroking lazily across the lagoon."
Informal; used chiefly in British and Australian English.
The plural typically appears when referring to repeated blows or returns, or occasionally to different styles or instances of the swimming stroke.
"His powerful backstrokes drove the ball deep into the opponent's court."
Backstroke is the only competitive swimming stroke started in the water — and swimmers race without being able to see where they're going.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of backstroke
The word backstroke is formed transparently from the native English nouns 'back' (Old English bæc) and 'stroke' (Old English strāc), compounded to describe either a stroke made with the back of the hand or, later, swimming on the back. Its figurative use for a blow dates from Middle English, while the swimming sense became firmly established as the stroke was codified into competitive racing during the nineteenth century. Cognate compounds built on the same elements include 'backhand' and 'backslap', all sharing the Germanic root behind modern 'back'.
How backstroke is actually used
In everyday use 'backstroke' almost always refers to the swimming stroke, especially in sporting contexts such as races and relays. The sense of a backhanded strike is older and now largely confined to sports commentary and historical usage. As a verb ('to backstroke'), it is informal and more common in Australian and British English than American English. In formal competition the stroke is often called the 'back crawl', and events are named by distance, as in '200-metre backstroke'.
Easily confused with backstroke
Breaststroke is swum face-down with a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm pull, whereas backstroke is swum on the back with alternating arms and a flutter kick.
'Backhanded' describes a blow or remark made with the back of the hand or an indirect cutting meaning, while 'backstroke' is primarily the swimming stroke performed on the back.