on defense

phrase

sports
: on the part of a team that defends the goal
She began the season on defense, but her coach later put her on offense.

Examples of on 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.
Representatives from companies involved in the defense industrial complex and technology experts will be curious to see how NATO will expand on defense innovation, burden-sharing, and defense cooperation. Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Mexico has also been solid on defense, keeping three clean sheets while scoring six goals. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 However, Harden struggled with turnovers in the playoffs, and he was hunted on defense by the Knicks during the Eastern Conference Finals. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 Abreu has been a strong piece of the lineup the past two seasons and a Gold Glove winner on defense. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for on defense

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20defense. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster