small forward

noun

: a basketball forward who is usually smaller than a power forward and whose play is characterized by quickness and scoring ability

Examples of small forward 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.
Strong was a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, given to the top small forward, as a freshman in 2025. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026 The Bulls traded the guard to the Timberwolves a few hours before the trade deadline, sending Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips to Minnesota for guard Rob Dillingham, small forward Leonard Miller and four second-round picks. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 On Tuesday, the NBA announced small forward Kawhi Leonard has been chosen by commissioner Adam Silver to the All-Star Game, a maneuver that gives the United States player pool the required minimum of 16 players. Law Murray, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 The Heat have largely thrived lately with a smallball approach that has featured Bam Adebayo at center, Andrew Wiggins at power forward and Pelle Larsson at small forward, dominant on the boards in their most recent games. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small forward

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small forward was in 1977

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Cite this Entry

“Small forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20forward. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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