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.
The Bruins saw their 11th different defenseman for Tuesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025 The rookie defenseman was a candidate to join the Canadian team at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, but longtime NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Sunday that Dickinson would remain with the Sharks during the World Juniors. Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025 The Rangers played with 11 forwards and seven defensemen due to the three forwards being out of the lineup. CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 Colorado is almost certainly going to add another defenseman before the March 6 deadline, but whether that guy is just an insurance policy or an impact player is to be determined. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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