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
Does what Marsh or Kepler provide on defense outweigh the matchup shortcomings against a lefty pitcher?
—
Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Jackson played nine snaps on defense against North Carolina, according to Pro Football Focus, and held his own.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
The next test comes Saturday against a USF team that has been taking advantage of its opportunities against top opponents and has been stingy on defense, allowing just 23 total points against Boise State and Florida to start the season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
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Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Jackson played nine snaps on defense against North Carolina, according to Pro Football Focus, and held his own.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
The next test comes Saturday against a USF team that has been taking advantage of its opportunities against top opponents and has been stingy on defense, allowing just 23 total points against Boise State and Florida to start the season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2025.
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