fender

UK: /ˈfɛndə^r/ US: /ˈfɛndɚ/ ,(fen′dər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

fend•er /ˈfɛndɚ/   n. [countable]

1. Transport the part mounted over the wheels of an automobile, bicycle, etc., to reduce splashing.
2. Building a low metal guard before an open fireplace to keep back falling coals.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

fend•er  (fen′dər), n. 

1. Transport 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. Transport a device on the front of a locomotive, streetcar, or the like, for clearing the track of obstructions.
3. Transport a mudguard or splashboard on a horse-drawn vehicle.
4. Nautical, Naval Terms 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. Building a low metal guard before an open fireplace, to keep back falling coals.
6. a person or thing that wards something off.

• Middle English fendour, aphetic variant of defendour defender 1350–1400

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

fender / 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