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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.
The University of Denver Pioneers hockey team only had to replace one defenseman from a team that reached the Frozen Four last season. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025 Ekman-Larsson extended his point streak to a career-best nine games, tied for second-longest by a defenseman in team history. CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025 Tempers rose again when Tanner Jeannot tattooed Detroit defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka by the Wings’ bench. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025 His 200th career goal came with hulking Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns draped all over him, but still unable to stop a Zeev Buium pass from deflecting off Kaprizov and past Wedgewood for the equalizer. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025 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 8 Dec. 2025.

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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