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.
His public defender doesn’t return his calls. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026 Avalos was assigned a public defender. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 His federal public defender declined to discuss the case. CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026 Hopkins’ federal public defender asked for 36 months. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 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 30 Jan. 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
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