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.
That’s when, off a faceoff, Hartman got his stick in Gudbranson’s skates before the veteran defenseman stumbled (and flipped the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty). Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The team added veterans Mason Marchment and Freddy Gaudreau up front and signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 But now Kulikov is the fourth Panthers player and first defenseman on IR already to start the season. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025 Masterson illustrated that point by referencing BU defenseman Tom Willander, a former pro hockey player in Sweden. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 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 18 Oct. 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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