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.

---

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

---

Fender ² British  

/ ˈfɛndə /

noun

1. a type of solid-body electric guitar

---

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 for anyone 70 and older who’s dented a fender or kissed a fire hydrant, I don’t have a problem with eye exams and driving tests.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, most derailments are “fender benders” that happen in rail yards and do little if any damage, Zarembski said.

From Seattle Times

Inspecting the Dodge Neon, Kalender noted two bullet holes in the rear fender and a bullet fragment beneath the muffler.

From Los Angeles Times

Stainless steel’s tendency to spring back to its original shape means it cannot be stamped into fenders and other parts as easily as the more pliable steel used by most automakers.

From New York Times

"Most accidents are actually small — a broken fender or scratched side of the car."

From Reuters

Related Words

• bumper