How to pronounce backstroke
Say it like BAK-strohk. Backstroke has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backstroke. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- strohk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backstroke pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- strohkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of backstroke
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: BAK-strohk.
What does backstroke mean?
- A backhanded stroke or blow.
- A stroke swum lying on one's back, while rotating both arms through the water as to propel the swimmer backwards.
- The pull on the tail of the rope that swings the bell through a full circle.
- To hit with a backstroke.
- To swim the backstroke.
Where does backstroke come from?
From back + stroke.
Questions about saying backstroke
How do you pronounce backstroke?
Say BAK-strohk. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌstroʊk/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌstrəʊk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backstroke?
Backstroke has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · strohk.
Is backstroke pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈbækˌstrəʊk/ (BAK-strohk).