fender

fend·er

noun \ˈfen-dər\

Definition of FENDER

: a device that protects: as

a (1) : a cushion (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 : railing

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

— fend·ered \-dərd\ adjective

— fend·er·less adjective

Examples of FENDER

1. <not wanting our brand-new cabin cruiser to get scratched, we put thick rubber fenders between it and the dock>

First Known Use of FENDER

13th century

Related to FENDER

Synonyms

buffer, bumper, cocoon, cushioning, cushion, pad

Related Words

baffle, muffler; padding; safeguard, shield; barricade, cordon

Rhymes with FENDER

bender, blender, gender, lender, mender, render, sender, slender, spender, splendor, tender, vendor