defenseman

noun

de·​fense·​man di-ˈfen(t)s-mən How to pronounce defenseman (audio)
-ˌman
: a player in a sport (such as hockey) who is assigned to a defensive zone or position

Examples of defenseman in a Sentence

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.
Two key defensemen in Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson departed for pay raises, as did backup goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025 Their defensemen don’t allow much gap between them and opposing forwards. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025 If the Hurricanes want to begin their retooling by swinging big for bigger defensemen with postseason experience, in players like Aaron Ekblad, Vladislav Gavrikov or Cody Ceci, this could quickly eat up their current $32 million in cap space next season. Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Those numbers are indicative of a deep draft class down the middle and a thin crop of defensemen. Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for defenseman

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defenseman was in 1877

Cite this Entry

“Defenseman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defenseman. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

defenseman

noun
de·​fense·​man -mən How to pronounce defenseman (audio)
-ˌman
: a player in a sport who is assigned to a defensive zone or position
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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