defender
noun
de·fend·er
di-ˈfen-dər 
Examples of defender in a Sentence
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Recent Examples on the Web
The longtime Utah coach takes over a Michigan team (9-4) that produced a strong running game and played tough on defense despite missing its top two defenders, who opted out of the game.
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CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026
However, cutting Chubb would eliminate one of the team’s top defenders in 2025, and there’s very little else on the roster.
—Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
On the very next play Seals was intercepted as the ball was deflected high into the air and caught by a USC defender.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
White’s four first-half blocks came as a rim defender.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defender
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CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026
However, cutting Chubb would eliminate one of the team’s top defenders in 2025, and there’s very little else on the roster.
—Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
On the very next play Seals was intercepted as the ball was deflected high into the air and caught by a USC defender.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
White’s four first-half blocks came as a rim defender.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defender
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defender. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
defender
noun
de·fend·er
-ˈfen-dər
1
: one that defends
2
: a player in a sport (as football) who plays a defensive position
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