public defender

noun

Synonyms of public defendernext
: a lawyer usually holding public office whose duty is to defend accused persons unable to pay for legal assistance

Examples of public defender 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.
Reiner, who pleaded not guilty to the fatal stabbings Monday, was represented in court by a public defender. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026 Messages were left Tuesday for a public defender listed as George’s attorney and at a number listed for George. ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026 Reiner, who has since been assigned public defender Kimberly Greene, appeared in a separate, glassed court holding area. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 Reiner is set to appear in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom for his arraignment on two counts of first-degree murder with his new attorney Kimberly Greene, a public defender. Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public defender

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public defender was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

public defender

noun
: a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance

More from Merriam-Webster on public defender

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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