sidestroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialised (predominantly in swimming contexts)
Quick answer
What does “sidestroke” mean?
A swimming stroke performed on one's side, with asymmetric arm and leg movements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A swimming stroke performed on one's side, with asymmetric arm and leg movements.
Any movement or blow delivered from the side; figuratively, an indirect approach or action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both swimming contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. May evoke historical or leisurely swimming styles.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More common in historical descriptions of swimming or specific instructional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sidestroke” in a Sentence
[Subject] + swim(s) + (the) + sidestroke[Subject] + performed + a + sidestrokeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sidestroke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to sidestroke slowly across the pond.
- The lifeguard demonstrated how to sidestroke while towing a casualty.
American English
- He sidestroked effortlessly through the calm lake.
- For the drill, everyone had to sidestroke 50 meters.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The sidestroke technique was emphasised in the Victorian manual.
- He preferred a sidestroke kick for the rescue carry.
American English
- The sidestroke arm pull is asymmetric.
- They practiced a sidestroke drill in class today.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or sports science texts discussing swimming techniques.
Everyday
Rare, except among swimming instructors, lifesavers, or enthusiasts discussing specific strokes.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in swimming manuals, lifesaving training, and physical education.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sidestroke”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sidestroke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sidestroke”
- Confusing it with 'sidestep' (to avoid).
- Using it as a general synonym for any swimming stroke.
- Misspelling as two words ('side stroke') is common but 'sidestroke' is the standard single-word form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the sidestroke is not a competitive stroke in modern swimming. It is primarily used for recreational swimming, lifesaving, and water survival training due to its stability and energy efficiency.
Its main benefit is that it allows the swimmer to keep their head above water consistently without tiring, making it excellent for observational swimming, lifesaving, and long-distance, relaxed swimming.
Yes, though less common. 'To sidestroke' means to swim using the sidestroke (e.g., 'She sidestroked across the bay').
'Sidestep' is a common verb meaning to avoid something, often an issue or responsibility. 'Sidestroke' is almost exclusively a noun for a swimming technique. They are not interchangeable.
A swimming stroke performed on one's side, with asymmetric arm and leg movements.
Sidestroke is usually technical/specialised (predominantly in swimming contexts) in register.
Sidestroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌɪdstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪdstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIDE' + 'STROKE' - you swim on your SIDE, taking STROKES through the water.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS (swimming stroke as a means of forward motion); INDIRECT ACTION IS A SIDESTROKE (figurative, rare).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sidestroke' MOST appropriately used?