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public defender

noun

: 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.
Davis’ public defender did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 Martinez’s federal public defender argued Martinez had every right to flee. Julia Coin november 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Nov. 2025 Geyser was appointed a public defender, who briefly conferred with her before the judge explained the extradition rules. Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 Clay County prosecutors and Rocha’s public defenders declined to present new evidence, sticking to each side’s previous arguments. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025 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 3 Dec. 2025.

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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