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

And this latest fender bender might be the one that finally illuminates dashboard warning lights for those bosses who have always so hastily turned to Woods in the past.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He managed to cross the finish line first despite losing his fender during a major crash on the race’s 225th lap out of 271, including overtime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Goodwin said the bridge was left out because it has already been assessed and a $100-million project is set to begin some time after July to replace and upgrade the bridge’s fender system.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2025

Then, when I departed said strip mall and made a left-hand turn across four lanes of traffic, I hit another car—it was worse than a fender bender, but no one was hurt.

From Slate • May 12, 2024

In a panic, lest he shift gears and drive away, leaving her alone in the street, Corinthians climbed up on the fender and lay full out across the hood of the car.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• bumper