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.
The local public defender’s office announced the death toll, though Rio state Governor Cláudio Castro cautioned that forensic work was still underway. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Leal put his hands up in defense, according to public defenders representing him. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Mangan has secured private counsel which will file an appearance later, according to a public defender at the arraignment. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025 He is represented by a public defender, who was not named in the court records. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 29 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 4 Nov. 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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