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
Another option at cornerback for Green Bay could be wide receiver Bo Melton, who has worked on defense in practice this season though all of his game action has been on offense and special teams.
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CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Lately, the Heat has won games behind its disruptiveness on defense.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2026
The President pressured you on defense spending, imposed tariffs on dubious grounds, and withdrew from international agreements and organizations.
—Amanda Sloat, Time, 2 Jan. 2026
But the personnel on defense was less proven this season — and more prone to mistakes.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on defense
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CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Lately, the Heat has won games behind its disruptiveness on defense.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2026
The President pressured you on defense spending, imposed tariffs on dubious grounds, and withdrew from international agreements and organizations.
—Amanda Sloat, Time, 2 Jan. 2026
But the personnel on defense was less proven this season — and more prone to mistakes.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
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 9 Jan. 2026.
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