# defenseman

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defenseman
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a player in sports like ice hockey or lacrosse whose main job is to stop the other team from scoring. They stay near their own goal to protect it.

For teachers: a player positioned in the backcourt or defensive zone whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Common in North American English, particularly in the context of ice hockey and lacrosse.

## Examples

- The defenseman blocked the shot with his stick.
- The coach decided to pair the veteran defenseman with a faster rookie to balance the team's backline.
- A truly elite defenseman must possess not only physical strength to clear the crease but also the vision to initiate a counter-attack with a precise breakout pass.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in North American sports terminology; the British equivalent in many sports is 'defender'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.