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
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.
Meanwhile, starting small forward Moses Moody was ruled out of the Clippers matchup and is expected to miss time after that with a calf injury. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 Call him a small forward, power forward. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025 Six-time All-NBA LA Clippers superstar small forward Kawhi Leonard has had a summer to forget. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 LaRavia could slot in at small forward while Rui Hachimura starts at power forward. Stan Son, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small forward

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small forward was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20forward. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!