fender

noun

fend·​er ˈfen-dər 

: 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

fendered

ˈfen-dərd 

adjective

fenderless adjective

Synonyms

• buffer
• bumper
• cocoon
• cushion
• cushioning
• pad

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

The crossover’s carbon-fiber aero package, which includes bulbous fenders and a giant rear wing, is capable of creating up to 6,900 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and upwards of 12,000 pounds at 200 mph, according to Inside EVs. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2025

In this case, it's applied to the motorcycle fenders and fuel tank. —New Atlas, 12 May 2025

It’s destroyed from getting through traffic and touching guys and fenders. —Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The south tower, anchored to bedrock beneath the tower, is protected by a concrete fender ring 27 feet thick at its base and 10 feet thick at sea level, which protects it from collisions. —Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fendour, fendere "defender, device for protecting the hull of a beached ship," from fenden "to defend, ward off, fend entry 1" + -our, -ere -er entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fender

• fender bender

Rhymes for fender

• bender
• blender
• gender
• lender
• mender
• prendre
• render
• sender
• slender
• splendor
• tender
• vender

Kids 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