public defender

noun

: 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, Daniel Hutchinson, argued Dominguez was in a psychotic state due to schizophrenia and should be convicted only of involuntary manslaughter. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025 The couple had been running a foster home since 2018 and had no prior allegations of abuse, Sampaguita Jones’ public defender said during the hearing. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 Soliman is being represented by public defenders who do not issue statements or comment on pending cases to the media. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 26 June 2025 Grant and her public defender did not respond to requests for comment. Chris Spargo, People.com, 24 June 2025 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 7 Jul. 2025.

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!