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
The 5-foot-6 senior also brings the energy on defense.
—
Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
While Republicans are trying to oust vulnerable DFL incumbents — and win open seats — some GOP legislators are on defense in seats President Biden won in 2020.
—Torey Van Oot, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Four holding penalties in the first half (three on defense, one on Bolles, negating a touchdown run), and not converting on the first two fourth downs.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Suárez also seems to be improving on defense, posting his best advanced fielding stats of his career.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on defense 
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Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
While Republicans are trying to oust vulnerable DFL incumbents — and win open seats — some GOP legislators are on defense in seats President Biden won in 2020.
—Torey Van Oot, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Four holding penalties in the first half (three on defense, one on Bolles, negating a touchdown run), and not converting on the first two fourth downs.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Suárez also seems to be improving on defense, posting his best advanced fielding stats of his career.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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