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.
Look for Brian Vona’s group to lean on the likes of Harvard commit Rex Friedholm, as well as two of the state’s top defensemen in Kevin Abair and Owen Vona. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026 The remaining challenge is that Suzuki and linemates Cole Caufield and Juraj Slavkovský are still getting a heavy dose of defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who is doing a nice job limiting the damage after a tough outing in Game 1. James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Jordan Tourigny, a defenseman for the QMJHL champion Chicoutimi Sagueneens, was battling for a puck behind the net with Christian Humphreys of the OHL champion Kitchener Rangers. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 The Avs have very little cap space, so someone under contract will likely need to be traded to retain Drury and one of the defensemen, or to replace Kulak and Burns. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 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 3 Jun. 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
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