Word
bender
Phoneticsben·der, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɛndɝ/
UK/bˈɛndɐ/
Definitions
01heavy drinking session
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal · Slang
n. a period of several days when someone drinks a lot of alcohol or uses drugs.
n. a period of sustained and excessive indulgence in alcohol or drugs, typically lasting several days.
“He went on a three-day bender after he lost his job.”
“The protagonist's spiral into debt began with a week-long bender that alienated his closest friends and colleagues.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'go on'.
02a tool for bending
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a tool or machine used to bend something, such as a metal pipe, into a specific shape.
n. a mechanical device or manual tool designed to facilitate the bending of rigid materials, particularly tubing or conduit.
“The plumber used a pipe bender to fit the copper tube around the corner.”
“The workshop was equipped with a heavy-duty hydraulic bender capable of shaping thick steel rods for the frame.”
Synonyms
03offensive slur
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Slang · Vulgar
n. a very offensive and rude word for a gay man.
n. a highly derogatory and offensive term for a male homosexual.
“The player was banned for using a bender as an insult during the game.”
“The use of the term 'bender' in the broadcast triggered an immediate investigation into the commentator's conduct.”
Teaching tip
This sense is extremely offensive in British English; learners should avoid using it and be aware of its derogatory nature.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
01. gender bender
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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