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.
Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with more than 30 years of experience, was appointed to be Robinson's attorney on Wednesday, according to a Utah County spokesperson. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 Hernandez's attorney, county public defender Paulette Loftin, asked if Hernandez could be sentenced on a different day, but Poles denied the motion. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Rocha’s life story The opening statement from Rocha’s public defender, Stephen Reynolds, gave an overview of Rocha’s life story, with family members set to testify on his behalf. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 The Colorado public defender’s office, which is representing Mellon, did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 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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