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 opponent, Newman, is a Rowan County assistant district attorney who previously worked as a federal public defender and civil litigator. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026 Dressed in a button-down shirt and slacks, with restraints across his stomach, wrists and legs, defendant Stacey Wondra sat between his public defenders Tuesday and listened as witness after witness took the stand at the Payette County Courthouse. Alex Brizee march 3, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026 Kansas needs 277 more public defenders, or roughly triple its current number. Emily Naiser, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026 Delacruz and Ilhan are being represented by federal public defenders, who did not respond Sunday to a request for comment. Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 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

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Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 8 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
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