# backstroke

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbækˌstɹoʊk/ · frequency rank #44,073

## Definitions
1. A backhanded stroke or blow.
2. A stroke swum lying on one's back, while rotating both arms through the water as to propel the swimmer backwards.
3. The pull on the tail of the rope that swings the bell through a full circle (compare handstroke)

## Etymology
From back + stroke.

## Common misspellings (16)
`abckstroke`, `bacckstroke`, `backkstroke`, `backsrtoke`, `backsstroke`, `backstorke`, `backstrkoe`, `backstroek`, `backstrokke`, `backstrroke`, `backsttroke`, `backtsroke`, `bacsktroke`, `bakcstroke`, `bbackstroke`, `bcakstroke`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backstroke