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
• shield
• pad
• cushion

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

By the time 1960 rolled around, trucks had appropriated car-like fenders and four-door cabs from conventional automobiles; by the 1980s, smaller trucks — first from Japan, followed by American brands — further popularized the idea of trucks as everyday vehicles and even fun toys. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025

Mid-engine layouts generally put the same components like radiators in the same places, and the Emira's shape follows its predecessors (as well as cars from McLaren or Ferrari) with large intake ducts straked across its doors and rear fenders, a low nose, and little overhang past the axles. —Peter Nelson, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025

The Lotus is more angular, and, with such large vents straked across its rear fenders and doors, conjures up an aesthetic that’s usually reserved for Ferrari and McLaren. —Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

That is a topic, however, of some debate for those attracted to the curvaceous, pontoon-style front fenders of the original 911 that was carried through the 964 series . . . —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 July 2025

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

Rhymes for fender

• bender
• blender
• gender
• lender
• mender
• prendre
• render
• sender
• slender
• splendor
• tender
• vender

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