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.
So the plight of clerks, probation officers and public defenders who work for the judicial branch felt personal. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 19 June 2026 Fox News Digital has reached out to the LVMPD, as well as the legal teams for Hamade and Sobh and the Clark County public defender's office, for comment. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Burleson’s public defender, James Freeman, declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday. Amber Gaudet june 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026 An assistant federal public defender assigned to represent Proper did not immediately return a request for comment, the AP reported. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 16 June 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 24 Jun. 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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