on defense

idiom

sports
: on the part of a team that defends the goal
She began the season on defense, but her coach later put her on offense.

Examples of on defense 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.
UConn answered again in the game of runs, finding a toughness on defense that was non-existent early as Johnson blocked a shot and scored in transition, then Karaban made a steal and found Johnson for another easy bucket inside. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2025 Ingram would check both of those boxes for the Lakers and his length could come in handy on defense. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Strong performances against Seattle and Green Bay to close the season certainly helped the final numbers, but the Bears were too erratic on defense. Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 Both players have areas to grow—Jackson needs to develop his offensive game, and Green must improve on defense—but their potential is undeniable. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for on defense 

Dictionary Entries Near on defense

Cite this Entry

“On defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20defense. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!