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 bottom-three could force the Stars to look to the trade market again this spring, and right-handed defensemen are notoriously expensive to add. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2025 The Panthers, playing with a four-on-three advantage, cycled the puck in the offensive zone before defenseman Jeff Petry fired from the point. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Masterson illustrated that point by referencing BU defenseman Tom Willander, a former pro hockey player in Sweden. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Forwards Bradley Marek and Riley Heidt, along with defensemen Kyle Masters and Jack Peart, were sent to Iowa. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 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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