fender

American  

[fen-der] / ˈfɛn dər /

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.

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fender ¹ British  

/ 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. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): wing.  the part of a car body that surrounds the wheels

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Fender ² British  

/ ˈfɛndə /

noun

1. a type of solid-body electric guitar

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Other Word Forms

• fendered adjective

Etymology

Origin of fender

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

Example Sentences

Beginning on April 1, in my shop, I began to take the car apart—the fenders, the hood, the entire front-end.

From The Wall Street Journal

First assignments: Wright’s initial job included stocking materials throughout the plant and loading fenders; Arthur Porter worked as a welding operator.

From The Wall Street Journal

It had football helmet stickers and Bengal logos on both fenders.

From The Wall Street Journal

A fender bender that would be a simple fix on a traditional vehicle could require an expensive and lengthy repair on an EV to mend the battery and recalibrate the car and its sensors.

From Los Angeles Times

In the movie, Wayne’s character played by actor Mike Meyers makes repeated visits to the shop just to gaze at the fender guitar.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bumper