zone defense

noun

: a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent

Examples of zone 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.
The Heat did it by sitting in its zone defense for most of the night, slowing the 76ers and forcing them into 17 non-paint two-point shots. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 If that forces teams to play more zone defense against the Pats, well, that should help feed the rest of the team’s wideouts — and can play into McDaniels’ hand. — Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 June 2026 The Pelicans went on a 17-3 run across a five-minute stretch in the second quarter when their zone defense gave Orlando’s offense problems. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2026 James Madison used a sagging zone defense in the paint or a double-team on Strack in an attempt to slow down the Wildcats, but that left Strack’s teammates open for easy shots. — ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zone defense

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zone defense was in 1927

Rhymes for zone defense

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Browse Nearby Words

zone axis
zone defense
zone fire
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Cite this Entry

“Zone defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zone%20defense. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on zone defense

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zone defense

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