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 With time about to expire, the Ottawa Senators defenseman quickly let go of the shot, hoping the puck would somehow find its way into the back of the San Jose Sharks’ net. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 The Florida Panthers defenseman fired a one-timer from the point on a five-on-three power-play in the third period against the Buffalo Sabres, falling to one knee as the puck made its way toward the net. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 After Knights defenseman Daniil Miromanov failed to control the puck at the blue line, Jarvis took advantage with a short-handed goal. Mark Anderson, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024 Attacking Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, and potentially creating some chaos, wouldn’t have been a bad option. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 All three of the Ducks’ Canadian junior defensemen of the year have appeared promising as top-level pros this season in varying levels of exposure. Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2024 That’s second among defensemen only to the Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (11 points, all assists) in that stretch as the Panthers continue getting into playoff form. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Rielly is the Leafs top defenseman and his 43 points is top-1o in the NHL. Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Kakko made it 2-0 at 8:23 of the second, finishing off a passing play with defensemen K’Andre Miller and Erik Gustafsson. Allan Kreda, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defenseman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defenseman was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near defenseman

Cite this Entry

“Defenseman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defenseman. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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