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.
Davis is a former public defender, deputy attorney general and Sacramento County court commissioner. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 Lawmakers approved a $20 increase over two years, a change that will bump public defender pay to $85-an hour in 2026. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 Talley's public defender, Ryan Carlsen, said after the hearing that it was discussed in court that Talley is not receiving adequate health treatment. Julia Bonavita , Philip Bodinet, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 He is represented by a public defender and has pleaded not guilty. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 June 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 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

public defender

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

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