zone defense

noun

: a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent

Examples of zone 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.
In the only loss against Cleveland, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson made an in-game adjustment to a 3-2 zone defense with Mobley at the top of the key, which slowed the Pacers down and stalled their offense. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025 Midway through practice, Williams flew down the right seam against a zone defense with two high safeties. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025 Specifically, a pair of zone defenses that were dead on deployment. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025 The Pacers’ work against a 3-2 zone defense needed to be better, and the head coach owned it. Tony East, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for zone defense

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zone defense was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Zone defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zone%20defense. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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