fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər How to pronounce fender (audio)
: a device that protects: such as
a(1)
: a cushion (such as foam rubber or a wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that lessens shock and prevents chafing
(2)
: a pile or a row or cluster of piles placed to protect a dock or bridge pier from damage by ships or floating objects
b
c
: a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision
d
: a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle
e
: a low metal frame or a screen before an open fireplace
f
: an oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect a rider's legs
fendered adjective
fenderless adjective

Examples of fender in a Sentence

not wanting our brand-new cabin cruiser to get scratched, we put thick rubber fenders between it and the dock
Recent Examples on the Web Melissa presented the pièce de résistance, sideswiping a wall in a downtown parking garage after work, smashing the bumper and a front fender. Maria Garriott, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Mar. 2024 Badges on the front fenders identify the SL 43 as turbocharged and electrified. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 15 Feb. 2024 The headlight, which attaches to the frame via a mount on the front fender, is legit. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 6 Oct. 2023 Outlets at the rear of the carbon-fiber front fenders exhaust air and draw even further attention to the GT’s most obvious fashion accessory: 22-inch rims with six funnel spokes—an homage to Audi’s recognizable motorsport design. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 Design-wise, the refreshed Taycan has new headlights and taillights as well as new front fenders. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 6 Feb. 2024 Surveillance cameras captured the trucks — a gray or silver 2008 Toyota pickup with flared fenders and a white 2008 Toyota pickup with a white camper shell, white rims and sunroof — traveling together that morning, officials said. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2024 Covering the rear wheel is a large fender, which references classic American cruisers, while the engine and exhaust are presented in an all-black finish for a contemporary twist. Charlie Thomas, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2024 The low-slung vehicle has a design reminiscent of the sports prototypes that compete at Le Mans each year, with bulbous fenders, a bubble cockpit, and a giant rear wing. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fender.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fendour, fendere "defender, device for protecting the hull of a beached ship," from fenden "to defend, ward off, fend entry 1" + -our, -ere -er entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fender was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near fender

Cite this Entry

“Fender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fender. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fender

noun
fend·​er ˈfen-dər How to pronounce fender (audio)
: a device that protects: as
a
: a frame in front of a locomotive or streetcar to catch or throw off anything that is hit
b
: a guard over a wheel of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle
c
: a low metal frame or screen placed on the hearth before an open fireplace

More from Merriam-Webster on fender

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