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
There are still questions about Bailey’s instincts and hand use as a run defender.
—
Dane Brugler, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
On the very next series, Jacksonville marched down the field enabled by a third-and-15 pass-interference penalty on Jaylen Watson, Lawrence’s two longest runs of the season (16 and 14 yards) and his pass attempt for Tim Patrick that went off the hands of three Chiefs defenders.
—Chris Ochsner, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Their biggest competition would likely be in Manhattan, as Austin Romaine and Desmond Purnell have been the Wildcats’ best defenders.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
Of the 20 Dolphins who played on defense Sunday, PFF said the seven worst run defenders were defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Matthew Butler and Jordan Phillips; safety Ashtyn Davis; linebacker Jaelan Phillips; cornerback Jack Jones (who was next to last) and Grant (last).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
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Dane Brugler, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
On the very next series, Jacksonville marched down the field enabled by a third-and-15 pass-interference penalty on Jaylen Watson, Lawrence’s two longest runs of the season (16 and 14 yards) and his pass attempt for Tim Patrick that went off the hands of three Chiefs defenders.
—Chris Ochsner, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Their biggest competition would likely be in Manhattan, as Austin Romaine and Desmond Purnell have been the Wildcats’ best defenders.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
Of the 20 Dolphins who played on defense Sunday, PFF said the seven worst run defenders were defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Matthew Butler and Jordan Phillips; safety Ashtyn Davis; linebacker Jaelan Phillips; cornerback Jack Jones (who was next to last) and Grant (last).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2025.
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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