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
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In another pending motion, the office of the regional public defender for capital cases asked Judge Gallagher to order that experts refrain from using the terms psychopath and sociopath in reference to Horner. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026 Voicemail and email seeking comment were left for Edge's public defender, Matthew Geoffrion. ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 Community organizations, domestic violence agencies, and public defenders are pushing for charges to be dropped against Keshia Golden. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Perez’s attorney, deputy public defender Ron Johnson, cited staff shortages and a backlog of cases in arguing for time to file a retrial motion. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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