weak side

noun

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of weak side

1 : the side of a football formation having the smaller number of players; specifically : the side of a formation away from the tight end

2 : the side of a court or field (as in basketball or soccer) away from the ball

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weakside

play \ˈwēk-ˌsīd\ adjective

Recent Examples of weak side from the Web

Entering his third year in Kevin Steele's defense, Atkinson feels well prepared to step in for departed senior Tre' Williams on the weak side.

— tom green, AL.com, "Montavious Atkinson's increased role at weakside linebacker gives Auburn 'multiplicity' on defense," 5 Apr. 2018
And even some of the more enlightened coaches seemed to think of Ellington as a relatively static element: the kind of shooter who should just spot up on the weak side and keep a defense honest.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: Wayne Ellington's Journey From Indistinguishable to Indispensable," 5 Apr. 2018
Senior weak side linebacker Jordan Jones needs surgery to fix a shoulder injury suffered in practice Tuesday, UK coach Mark Stoops announced after practice Thursday morning.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky football linebacker Jordan Jones out until August with shoulder injury," 5 Apr. 2018
The front four shades to the weak side of the offense with the strong-side linebacker often walking up to the line.

— jeff mclane, Philly.com, "Film breakdown: What Michael Bennett brings to the Eagles' defensive line," 8 Mar. 2018
There’s just enough movement on the weak side to keep a few of Sacramento’s defenders engaged and out of the way, for fear that DeRozan might kick the ball out for a three-pointer.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: How DeMar DeRozan Keeps Defenses Guessing," 26 Feb. 2018
There have already been seven tornadoes in February, all of them quick-hitting and on the weaker side.

— leigh morgan, AL.com, "Strong to severe storms possible both Saturday and Sunday," 23 Feb. 2018
Alabama was struck by seven tornadoes just this month, though most of them were on the weaker side and no injuries were reported.

— leigh morgan, AL.com, "When's a good time to get ready for bad weather? Right now," 19 Feb. 2018
With 6:52 left in the first quarter, and Irving cradling the ball on the left wing, Hayward cut behind Crowder on the weak side for a lob.

— lee jenkins, SI.com, "The Immense Pride and Unspeakable Agony of Gordon Hayward," 20 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'weak side.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of weak side

1940

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Definition of weak side

weakside

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weakside

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