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.
President of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito managed to re-sign the trio of defenseman Aaron Ekblad plus forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025 To replace Schmidt, the Panthers signed veteran defenseman Jeff Petry. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025 The Blues will be adding Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger to the pre- and postgame show, joining Rivers and Bernie Federko. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 11 July 2025 The Sharks were expected to trade one of their defenseman after signing Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract and claiming Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues last week. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 July 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 7 Aug. 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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