fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər 

: 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

: 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

fendered

ˈfen-dərd 

adjective

fenderless adjective

Synonyms of fender

• buffer
• bumper
• shield
• pad
• cushion

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

The bike features aluminum fenders, a bottle cage mount, and extra mounting points on the fork for carrying touring or bikepacking gear. —Stefan Ionescu february 13, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026

First shown in 1947 at the Villa d’Este Gold Cup, and later at the Paris Motor Show, the Cisitalia 202 was unlike anything seen before, featuring a curvaceous shape whose hoodline was lower than the fenders. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026

The film at least mines some charm from a fender-bender as a meet-cute. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026

As the Hyundai approached Cote’s cruiser, the driver allegedly attempted to drive around the drivers’ side of the cruiser and struck the front driver’s side fender and bumper area causing damage to both vehicles, state police said. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing fender

• fender bender

Rhymes for fender

• bender
• blender
• gender
• lender
• mender
• prendre
• render
• sender
• slender
• splendor
• tender
• vender

Kids Definition

fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər 

: 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