defenseman

American  

[dih-fens-muhn, -man] / dɪˈfɛns mən, -ˌmæn /

noun

Sports.

plural

defensemen

1. a player in certain games, as ice hockey or lacrosse, who lines up in a defensive zone or position.

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Etymology

Origin of defenseman

First recorded in 1890–95; defense + man

Example Sentences

Ovechkin scored his landmark goal after defenseman Jakob Chychrun had a shot blocked by Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington.

From Barron's

“He can’t stop what he can’t see,” said defenseman Neal Pionk.

From The Wall Street Journal

This sort of gritty approach is common at this time of year, said Jets defenseman Luke Schenn.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There’s a level of gamesmanship that goes on throughout the playoffs,” explained Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Malinski, a defenseman, doubled the advantage less than seven minutes later, blasting a shot from just inside the blue line through traffic and by goalie Darcy Kuemper.

From Los Angeles Times