backstretch

noun

back·​stretch ˈbak-ˌstrech How to pronounce backstretch (audio)
: the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

Examples of backstretch in a Sentence

The horses are in the backstretch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eric Gutierrez grew up on Hawthorne Race Course’s backstretch, where horses and track workers lived. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Can You Dream, a 3-year-old filly trained by Rafael DeLeon, sustained a left front fetlock injury on the backstretch of Sunday’s eighth race and was euthanized due to the severity of the injury. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026 Last down the backstretch, lightning struck as this stretch-running son of Curlin thundered home with powerful strides and won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23 to 1 under a brilliant ride from jockey Jose Ortiz. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026 About 350 horses are typically housed in the backstretch, the association said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstretch

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstretch was in 1831

Rhymes for backstretch

See All Rhymes for backstretch

Browse Nearby Words

backstreet
backstretch
backstrip
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Cite this Entry

“Backstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstretch. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

backstretch

noun
back·​stretch -ˌstrech How to pronounce backstretch (audio)
-ˈstrech
: the side of a racetrack that is opposite the part between the last turn and the finish line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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