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.
Tim Stutzle charged past Philadelphia defenseman Travis Sanheim and scored on a back-hand shot 47 seconds into overtime Thursday night, helping the Ottawa Senators to a 2-1 victory over the struggling Flyers. CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Wild minor league defenseman David Spacek will represent Czechia, and Wild goalie prospect Samuel Halavaj will skate for Slovakia. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026 Dunn converted on the power play, giving the Kraken two goals from defensemen. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 His +43 rating leads the ECHL, and his nine goals are tied for second among defensemen, per the Mavericks. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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