zone defense

noun

: a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent

Examples of zone defense 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.
Lagway’s calf injury has limited him at a time when the 19-year-old needs to improve his shortcomings, such as reading zone defenses and develop timing with his receivers. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025 So, hello zone defense, my old friend? Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025 The zone defense created some hesitation from the Aces as the Valkyries created three first-half turnovers. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 Midway through practice, Williams flew down the right seam against a zone defense with two high safeties. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for zone defense

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zone defense was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Zone defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zone%20defense. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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