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.
His dad, Brian, was a defenseman for the inaugural Panthers team in the 1993-94 season and finished his 568-game NHL career in South Florida. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 As the Sharks get ready for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins, rookie defenseman Sam Dickinson had a moment to forget – or more likely learn from – in San Jose’s 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026 The newest member of the Wild is named Bobby Orr Brink, after the legendary Boston Bruins defensemen. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2026 Both defensemen were bruised and tired as Utah turned the puck over, and then Kaprizov scored off a second effort from his knees after outhustling the Mammoth to his own rebound. Michael Russo, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 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 14 Mar. 2026.

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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