1. plural of defenceman; hockey players whose primary role is to defend their team’s goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring
Usage: primarily used in Canadian English; American English typically uses ‘defensemen’

Examples

• The team’s defencemen worked together to clear the puck from their zone.
• Both defencemen joined the rush to create a scoring opportunity.
• The coach praised his defencemen for their solid defensive play.
• The opposing team’s defencemen were quick to break up passing plays.
• Young defencemen often struggle with the transition from junior hockey.
• The defencemen took turns manning the point during the power play.