breaststroke

noun

breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by coordinating a kick in which the legs are brought forward with the knees together and the feet are turned outward and whipped back with a glide and a backward sweeping movement of the arms

breaststroker

ˈbres(t)-ˌstrō-kər 

noun

Examples of breaststroke in a Sentence

I'll be competing in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Recent Examples on the Web

So a swimmer who competes in multiple events might have a separate classification for breaststroke (SB) and for freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke events (S). —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 3 Sep. 2024

Featuring different swims at different distances, athletes compete in breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, and medley. —Molly Higgins, WIRED, 19 Aug. 2024

The British Olympic Committee said swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive for COVID-19 less than 24 hours after winning silver in the men's 100-meter breaststroke final. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2024

Josh Matheny of the U.S. was seventh in the breaststroke. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

breaststroke

noun

breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk 

: a swimming stroke performed by extending the arms in front of the head while drawing the knees forward and outward and then sweeping the arms back with palms out while kicking backward and outward