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 of fender

• 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

The stern door, for example, features an electro-hydraulic system that opens to reveal two comfy sunbeds, two storage compartments for fenders (port side) and a Seabob (starboard side), and a retractable gangway. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025

Pininfarina has also enlarged the side air intakes, visually emphasizing the rear fenders. —New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025

Investigators discovered blood smears on a rear fender and strands of black hair pinched in a door handle, per the affidavit. —Logan Smith, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

On the way home, the little furball escapes its box, jumps out of the car after Linda gets in a fender-bender and meets a gruesome end on the street. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 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