: a device that protects: such as
a(1)
: a cushion (such as foam rubber or a wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that lessens shock and prevents chafing
(2)
: a pile or a row or cluster of piles placed to protect a dock or bridge pier from damage by ships or floating objects
b
: railing
c
: a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision
d
: a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle
e
: a low metal frame or a screen before an open fireplace
f
: an oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect a rider's legs
fenderless
adjective
Examples of fender in a Sentence
not wanting our brand-new cabin cruiser to get scratched, we put thick rubber fenders between it and the dock
Recent Examples on the Web
Putting it all together My e-tourer arrived mostly assembled – though the handlebar, pedals, saddle, front light, display and quick-release front wheel needed installing, along with the front fender, plus some tightening up here and there had to be done.
—
New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
On the way home, the little furball escapes its box, jumps out of the car after Linda gets in a fender-bender and meets a gruesome end on the street.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
But the old flivver was ticking along, reminding Drew of happy hours—leaning on opposing fenders under its hood with Lloyd, contemplating the Dart’s latest ailment.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
The fact that Christian didn’t pull the lines and fenders at night makes for an actual problem in the morning, which Christian doesn’t even realize until much later, after the guests have left.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fender
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New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
On the way home, the little furball escapes its box, jumps out of the car after Linda gets in a fender-bender and meets a gruesome end on the street.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
But the old flivver was ticking along, reminding Drew of happy hours—leaning on opposing fenders under its hood with Lloyd, contemplating the Dart’s latest ailment.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
The fact that Christian didn’t pull the lines and fenders at night makes for an actual problem in the morning, which Christian doesn’t even realize until much later, after the guests have left.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fender
Cite this Entry
“Fender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fender. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fender
noun
fend·er
ˈfen-dər 
: a device that protects: as
a
: a frame in front of a locomotive or streetcar to catch or throw off anything that is hit
b
: a guard over a wheel of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle
c
: a low metal frame or screen placed on the hearth before an open fireplace
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