stroke definition

1. (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
• examples: it took two strokes to get out of the bunker
• examples: a good shot requires good balance and tempo
• examples: he left me an almost impossible shot
2. a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain
3. a light touch
4. a light touch with the hands
5. (golf) the unit of scoring in golf is the act of hitting the ball with a club
• examples: Nicklaus won by three strokes
6. the oarsman nearest the stern of the shell who sets the pace for the rest of the crew
7. a mark made on a surface by a pen, pencil, or paintbrush
• examples: she applied the paint in careful strokes
8. any one of the repeated movements of the limbs and body used for locomotion in swimming or rowing
9. a single complete movement
10. touch lightly and repeatedly, as with brushing motions
• examples: He stroked his long beard
11. strike a ball with a smooth blow
12. row at a particular rate
13. treat gingerly or carefully
• examples: You have to stroke the boss