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.
Bartell, an avocational drummer and former public defender, had never owned or operated a concert venue before. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Before entering conservatorship, people are provided a public defender and every six months have an opportunity to contest their status and exit. Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 Cullen Sweeney, the chief public defender in Cuyahoga County, declined to comment on the case after the hearing. CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 He will be represented by a public defender, court records show. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

public defender

noun
: a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance

More from Merriam-Webster on public defender

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster