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 Sharks might be able to add a legit top-pairing defenseman via trade or free agency. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 Larry Robinson, who won a Cup as the New Jersey Devils’ coach in 2000, did so after already entering the Hall for his merits as a world-class defenseman. James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Additionally, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman posited during a radio segment that, just a day after John Carlson was reportedly moving on from the Ducks, fellow veteran right defenseman Jacob Trouba will likely join him in the free-agent market. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 17 June 2026 Same goes for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s nearly point-a-game defenseman Darren Raddysh, fresh off his best season. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 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 23 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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