small forward

noun

: a basketball forward who is usually smaller than a power forward and whose play is characterized by quickness and scoring ability

Examples of small forward 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.
Power forward will be between Princeton transfer Caden Pierce, who Painter called his best rebounder, and Benter, who can play as a stretch 4 or small forward. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Strus and Dean Wade were the primary starters at small forward last season. — Joe Reedy, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 The 14th could go to a center, with small forward Demar DeRozan and guard Gabe Vincent among others who have received consideration. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 After nine seasons in Seattle, the small forward joined the Washington Mystics in 2022. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small forward

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small forward was in 1977

Rhymes for small forward

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Browse Nearby Words

small fortune
small forward
small fruit
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Cite this Entry

“Small forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20forward. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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