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.
His defense at Auburn in 2023 led the SEC in red-zone defense and ranked second in third-down conversions, third against the pass and fourth in interceptions. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 16 Dec. 2025 With that reverse gear caused by Baker Mayfield’s struggles and bad red-zone defense, TB now finds itself in an NFC South mutt-fight with Carolina in a winner-take-all division that likely won’t see the runner-up with a wild-card spot. Greg Cote december 10, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025 Minnesota utilized a zone defense against Chicago State on Tuesday when the Cougars seized momentum in the second half. Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025 West Torrance made six 3 pointers against the San Juan Hills zone defense, which included sophomore Katie Schafer. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Nov. 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 17 Dec. 2025.

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