fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər 

: a device that protects: such as

a(1)

: a cushion (such as foam rubber or a wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that lessens shock and prevents chafing

(2)

: a pile or a row or cluster of piles placed to protect a dock or bridge pier from damage by ships or floating objects

b

: railing

c

: a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision

d

: a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle

e

: a low metal frame or a screen before an open fireplace

f

: an oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect a rider's legs

fendered

ˈfen-dərd 

adjective

fenderless adjective

Synonyms

• buffer
• bumper
• cocoon
• cushion
• cushioning
• pad

Examples of fender in a Sentence

not wanting our brand-new cabin cruiser to get scratched, we put thick rubber fenders between it and the dock

Recent Examples on the Web

The Carrera model was noticeable because of fenders widened to accommodate larger Fuchs wheels. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023

There are large intakes at the front and rear, thin LED lights and awesome angular fenders, and Toyota showed photos of one version with a big fixed rear wing. —Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023

Its model name, Talbot-Darracq, evoked the car’s stylish 1930s look, with an ornate chrome grille and long, sloping fenders. —Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2023

It’s perfectly proportioned, with wonderfully sculpted, super wide fenders, an extremely sloping hood and low nose, and minimal surfacing frippery. —Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023

That nose is pert and low, leading back to angular fender flares and a pronounced swell at the rear. —Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 25 Oct. 2023

The algorithms should pick up every nail in a tire, fluid leak, dent on a fender, or crack in the windshield. —WIRED, 24 Oct. 2023

The Synergy concept's sloping roofline flows into a rear spoiler that bridges the fenders. —Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023

An arriving officer located a blue fender and noted that the fire hydrant had been hit with enough force to shift it approximately 6 inches off its base. —John Benson, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English fendour, fendere "defender, device for protecting the hull of a beached ship," from fenden "to defend, ward off, fend entry 1" + -our, -ere -er entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fender

• fender bender

• fender bender

Kids Definition

fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər 

: a device that protects: as

a

: a frame in front of a locomotive or streetcar to catch or throw off anything that is hit

b

: a guard over a wheel of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle

c

: a low metal frame or screen placed on the hearth before an open fireplace