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.
Nick will now be represented by a public defender. Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 McKee’s public defender indicated to the judge that his client intends to plead not guilty in Ohio. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026 The federal public defender's office for the Western District of Texas did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 During the roughly four-minute court hearing in August, public defender Cassandra Weidner told the judge that her client did not have a dollar with which to pay her bail. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 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

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Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 14 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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