on defense
idiom
sports
: on the part of a team that defends the goal
She began the season on defense, but her coach later put her on offense.
Examples of on defense in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Germany, typically a European heavyweight, is also set to spend billions on defense over the next year.
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Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
The Broncos’ biggest weakness on defense early on this season has been covering opposing running backs and tight ends, with Joseph’s match-coverage-heavy scheme prone to miscommunication picking up versatile pass-catchers.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Sure, the offense racked up yardage, but the Niners were fooled on critical plays on offense and were gashed on defense.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Without Allen and his ability to stretch the field, the Bills' downfalls on defense would likely not have led to a 4-1 record.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
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Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
The Broncos’ biggest weakness on defense early on this season has been covering opposing running backs and tight ends, with Joseph’s match-coverage-heavy scheme prone to miscommunication picking up versatile pass-catchers.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Sure, the offense racked up yardage, but the Niners were fooled on critical plays on offense and were gashed on defense.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Without Allen and his ability to stretch the field, the Bills' downfalls on defense would likely not have led to a 4-1 record.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on defense
Cite this Entry
“On defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20defense. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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