fencer

American  

[fen-ser] / ˈfɛn sər /

noun

1. a person who practices the art of fencing with a sword, foil, etc.

2. a person who fences.

3. a horse trained to jump barriers, as for show or sport.

4. Australian. a person who builds or repairs fences.

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fencer British  

/ ˈfɛnsə /

noun

1. a person who fights with a sword, esp one who practises the art of fencing

2. a person who erects and repairs fences

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Etymology

Origin of fencer

First recorded in 1565–75; fence + -er ¹

Explanation

A fencer is someone who participates in the sport of fencing, or sword fighting. Fencers are among the athletes who compete in the Olympics every four years. If you become a fencer, you'll learn all the rules and strategy behind dueling with rapiers or swords. Fencers wear special gear, including protective jackets, short pants, gloves, and masks. The word fencer comes from the verb fence, "defend oneself," from the noun fence, "fortification," a shortened form of defense.

Example Sentences

With Madonna to his right and Rihanna on his left, the London-born American fencer was the unexpected filling in a pop royalty sandwich.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Discretionary Olympic spots are infrequent, but in 2023, fencer Olga Kharlan received a place at Paris 2024 from former IOC President Thomas Bach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed she competed at the Paris Olympics on Monday while seven months pregnant.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2024

Chaves’ coach, Eduardo Nunes, says the fencer will face trouble beyond the mental stress and the unexpectedly long trip in his attempt to qualify for the Paralympics.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

I had four years to become a good enough fencer to earn a scholarship.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad