wideman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized)Specialized/Sporting (Modern); Archaic/Historical (Rare)
Quick answer
What does “wideman” mean?
A midfielder, particularly in hockey or rugby, who typically plays in a wide position on the flank of the field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A midfielder, particularly in hockey or rugby, who typically plays in a wide position on the flank of the field.
In some team sports, a player positioned on the wing or flank, responsible for both offensive width and defensive coverage. In historical contexts, can refer to a servant or attendant of a noble household, but this usage is archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In rugby union (more common in UK), a wideman is typically a winger. In North American ice hockey, it refers specifically to a defenceman who plays on the left or right side, not in the center.
Connotations
Sports-specific; neutral within its context. The archaic term connotes servitude or a lower social rank.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse. Frequency is moderate within specific sports communities and journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “wideman” in a Sentence
[Team/Coach] + deployed/used + [Player] + as a widemanThe wideman + [verb e.g., overlapped, covered, sent in a cross]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wideman” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Lions' wideman just managed to keep the ball in play before offloading to the centre.
- In the 18th century household, the wideman was responsible for lighting the fires.
American English
- The coach moved his most physical defenseman to the left side to act as a stay-at-home wideman.
- The wideman's slap shot from the point was tipped in for a goal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in sports science or historical sociology discussing archaic roles.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Common in sports coaching, tactical analysis, and live commentary for hockey and rugby.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wideman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wideman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wideman”
- Using 'wideman' to describe any wide attacker in football (soccer); 'winger' is preferred.
- Using in non-sporting contexts.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (unless part of a surname).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term used primarily in sports like rugby and ice hockey. It is rare in everyday English.
It is understood but is less common than 'winger' or 'wide midfielder'. Its use in soccer is more typical in British tactical analysis than in everyday fan talk.
In many contexts, they are synonyms. However, in ice hockey, a 'wideman' is a defenceman, not a forward, which distinguishes it from the attacking connotation of 'winger' in sports like rugby or football.
No, the historical meaning referring to a household servant is completely archaic and obsolete, only encountered in historical texts or reenactments.
A midfielder, particularly in hockey or rugby, who typically plays in a wide position on the flank of the field.
Wideman is usually specialized/sporting (modern); archaic/historical (rare) in register.
Wideman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwʌɪdmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwaɪdmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man playing in the WIDE areas of the field = WIDEMAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPORTING POSITION AS A TERRITORIAL GUARD (The wideman patrols and controls the flank/wide territory).
Practice
Quiz
In modern North American sports commentary, 'wideman' most specifically refers to: