defenseman

[dih-fens-muhn, -man]

noun

Sports.

plural

defensemen 

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of defenseman¹

First recorded in 1890–95; defense + man

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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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.

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The Kings’ core is also in transition because when Kopitar steps aside, only defenseman Drew Doughty will remain from their Stanley Cup-winning teams.

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