1. past tense of stroke; moved one’s hand gently over a surface, typically in a caring manner
2. past tense of stroke; moved through water using swimming strokes
Usage: swimming
3. past tense of stroke; rowed a boat as the stroke oar
Usage: rowing

Examples

• She stroked the cat’s fur gently.
• He stroked his beard while thinking.
• The swimmer stroked powerfully through the water.
• She stroked the baby’s cheek to comfort him.
• The rower stroked the boat to victory.
• He stroked the dog behind its ears.
• The athlete stroked across the pool in record time.