dolphin kick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (common in specific domains like swimming and sports commentary)Technical / Sports
Quick answer
What does “dolphin kick” mean?
A specific underwater swimming technique, used primarily in competitive butterfly stroke and underwater phases, where the body moves in a continuous, fluid, wave-like motion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific underwater swimming technique, used primarily in competitive butterfly stroke and underwater phases, where the body moves in a continuous, fluid, wave-like motion.
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe any smooth, undulating movement reminiscent of a dolphin's swimming motion, or as a term in certain dance moves or martial arts techniques.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties, strongly associated with competitive aquatics.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but equally common within the technical context of swimming in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dolphin kick” in a Sentence
[verb] + dolphin kick (e.g., perform, use, execute)dolphin kick + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., off the wall, in the water)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolphin kick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She needs to dolphin-kick more powerfully off the turn.
- The coach told him to dolphin-kick for the full 15 metres.
American English
- He needs to dolphin-kick harder off the wall.
- You should dolphin-kick underwater to build speed.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Usage would be highly non-standard and marked.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Usage would be highly non-standard and marked.]
adjective
British English
- The dolphin-kick phase is crucial in butterfly.
- They focused on dolphin-kick technique.
American English
- Her dolphin-kick speed is impressive.
- We did a dolphin-kick set today.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in sports science literature discussing swimming biomechanics.
Everyday
Rare, except among swimmers, coaches, or sports fans.
Technical
The primary domain; a core term in competitive swimming coaching and rulebooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolphin kick”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolphin kick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolphin kick”
- Confusing it with the 'flutter kick' used in freestyle. Using 'dolphin kick' to refer to a dolphin physically kicking something.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is also used during the underwater phases after starts and turns in freestyle and backstroke, as per competition rules.
It is named for its resemblance to the smooth, wave-like tail movement of a dolphin swimming.
A dolphin kick involves both legs moving together in an undulating motion, while a flutter kick involves alternating, up-and-down leg movements.
Yes, this is a common drill and is used in the underwater phase of backstroke races, though the body position is supine (face up).
A specific underwater swimming technique, used primarily in competitive butterfly stroke and underwater phases, where the body moves in a continuous, fluid, wave-like motion.
Dolphin kick is usually technical / sports in register.
Dolphin kick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlfɪn ˌkɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːlfɪn ˌkɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dolphin smoothly kicking its tail up and down. Your body should mimic that wave-like motion from chest to toes.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A DOLPHIN (for efficient, wave-like propulsion through water).
Practice
Quiz
In which competitive swimming stroke is the dolphin kick primarily used?