backstroke (back|stroke)

noun

• 1a swimming stroke performed on the back with the arms lifted alternately out of the water in a backward circular motion and the legs extended and kicking: I concentrated on the backstroke most of the time [as adverb]: he’s getting ready to swim the channel backstroke
• (the backstroke) a race, usually of a specified length, in which backstroke is used: he was fifth in the 200 m backstroke

• 2 Bell-ringing a pull of the tail end of the rope from its highest position so as to swing the bell through a full circle. Compare with handstroke.