fender

[ fen-der ]

noun

1. the pressed and formed sheet-metal part mounted over the road wheels of an automobile, bicycle, etc., to reduce the splashing of mud, water, and the like.
2. a device on the front of a locomotive, streetcar, or the like, for clearing the track of obstructions.
3. a mudguard or splashboard on a horse-drawn vehicle.
4. Nautical. a piece of timber, bundle of rope, or the like, hung over the side of a vessel to lessen shock or prevent chafing, as between the vessel and a dock or another vessel.
5. a low metal guard before an open fireplace, to keep back falling coals.
6. a person or thing that wards something off.

Fender

¹

/ ˈfɛndə /

noun

1. a type of solid-body electric guitar

fender

²

/ ˈfɛndə /

noun

1. a low metal frame which confines falling coals to the hearth
2. a metal frame fitted to the front of locomotives to absorb shock, clear the track, etc
3. a cushion-like device, such as a car tyre hung over the side of a vessel to reduce damage resulting from accidental contact or collision
4. the part of a car body that surrounds the wheels Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)wing

Derived Forms

• ˈfendered, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fender¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fendour, aphetic variant of defendour defender ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fender¹

C20: named after Leo Fender (1909-91), its US inventor (1951)

Example Sentences

What may have once been a simple fender bender has “turned into a major claim,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

On one particular trip late last month he drove through a red light into a fender bender.

From Salon

We followed and lingered by the fender, making a little group of ourselves.

From Literature

“A fender bender in the past didn’t have all the sensors and cameras.”

From Seattle Times

But if the bridge is rebuilt with fenders or dolphins to improve safety, no such exemption will apply.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bumper