blueliner

noun

blue·​lin·​er ˈblü-ˌlī-nər How to pronounce blueliner (audio)
: a defenseman in ice hockey

Examples of blueliner 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.
The 25-year-old left shot defenseman, a classic stay-at-home blueliner, had a goal in 17 games with the B’s and would be a good candidate to be the team’s seventh defenseman, taking over the role of UFA-to-be Parker Wotherspoon if the B’s decide not to bring him back. Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025 So, too, does banking on a blueliner to help lead a franchise rebuild. Rob Rossi, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Bouchard has become one of the best offensive defensemen of his era and one of the most proficient point-producing blueliners of all time in the postseason. The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 21 June 2025 After obtaining the rights to Swedish defenseman Victor Soderstrom on Friday, the Bruins inked the blueliner to a one-year, two-way deal that carries an NHL cap hit of $775,000 on Saturday. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025 In addition to scoring his fourth goal of the playoffs, most among Florida defensemen and tied for second among all blueliners, Jones played a team-high 34:35 on Friday. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025 He’s tied for third in the league among blueliners in points (11) and assists (eight) while being tied for fourth in goals (three) while averaging just shy of 24 minutes of ice time per game. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025 In addition to being stellar defensively, the 29-year-old blueliner has shown some offensive pop as of late. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025 Again, there was tons of traffic in front thanks to Oilers blueliner Jake Walman trying to block the shot and Stars winger Jason Robertson right by the goalie. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blueliner was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blueliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blueliner. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!