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.
Future Kansas Jayhawks basketball guard/small forward Tre White ranks No. 63 on ESPN.com’s list of the top 100 players in the transfer portal class of 2025. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025 Jaxson Hayes has emerged as L.A.'s best traditional center option, while starting small forward Rui Hachimura, James, and reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt have spelled him to some success as small-ball backups. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Andrews, 6-7 and 215 pounds, is an ESPN 4-star recruit, the No. 8 small forward and the nation's No. 22 overall prospect for the 2026 class. Richard Davenport, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025 Or his accolades, named all-SEC third team and Julius Erving Award finalist for college basketball’s top small forward. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20forward. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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