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.
The DuPage County public defender’s office, which is representing Ward, didn’t immediately return a request for comment. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 As a former public defender, the Congressman has always believed that people have an immense capacity for redemption and deserve second chances. S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 The American Civil Liberties Union and federal public defenders said inmates’ rights had been violated and there were stabbings, suicides and even one homicide. Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The American Civil Liberties Union and federal public defenders said inmates' rights had been violated and there were stabbings, suicides and even one homicide. Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

public defender

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

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