small forward

noun

: a basketball forward who is usually smaller than a power forward and whose play is characterized by quickness and scoring ability

Examples of small forward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One idea would be to start Jamerson and small forward Jamar Brown — high-effort players who are the best defenders at their respective positions — to set a defensive tone, even if Bilodeau plays a majority of the minutes at center. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Former Bronco and Netherlands U20 small forward Emmanuel Ugbo left Boise State for Washington State last year, and four-star prospect Chibuzo Agbo left Boise State for USC in 2024. —Idaho Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026

Christie recently has been starting Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan in the backcourt with Murray at small forward, Precious Achiuwa and rookie Maxime Raynaud at center. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 27 Dec. 2025

As for Johnson, the starting small forward has turned a corner, but even his slow start wasn’t enough to hinder the success of Denver’s starting lineup. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for small forward

• henceforward
• straightforward
• thenceforward
• carryforward
• equatorward
• shoreward