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

Although all of the cars in the race had been pruned of windshield and fenders, even the exhaust system and muffler had been removed on these Fords so that four snub-nosed pipes jutted straight from the hood. —Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026

All Campinawe models are built for off-road use, but the Adventure is of course the most rugged and features a 4,850-lb Cruisemaster independent suspension with 3-in lift, Lock 'n' Roll articulating hitch coupler, 33-in all-terrain tires and wraparound fender steps. —C.c. Weiss may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026

The EVs also place a power charge port door on the front passenger-side fender. —Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

The Intracoastal Waterway bridge along the road will see several upgrades, including the replacement of its existing deck with a solid aluminum one, paintwork on the structural steel, upgrades to wiring and electrical components, and the replacement of the existing fender system. —Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026

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