defenseman

noun

de·​fense·​man di-ˈfen(t)s-mən How to pronounce defenseman (audio)
-ˌman
: a player in a sport (such as hockey) who is assigned to a defensive zone or position

Examples of defenseman 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.
Gudas opposed him in the final and after draping a gold medal around his neck last spring, the hard-nosed defenseman and Ducks captain might add another piece of hardware – as well as a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice – for a very different reason. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025 For next season, the Sharks have nine defensemen with NHL experience under contract or team control, including right-shot defensemen Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, and Jack Thompson. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025 The highlight though was Wyatt Aamodt, a 27-year-old defenseman who made his NHL debut Saturday night, scoring his first NHL goal. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025 The group: forwards Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett along with defensemen Ekblad, Dmitry Kulikov and Matt Kiersted. Barkov and Reinhart are being held out for rest ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defenseman

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defenseman was in 1877

Cite this Entry

“Defenseman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defenseman. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

defenseman

noun
de·​fense·​man -mən How to pronounce defenseman (audio)
-ˌman
: a player in a sport who is assigned to a defensive zone or position
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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