# fender

/ˈfɛndɝ/ (US) · /fˈɛndɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fender
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. car body panel

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the part of a car that covers the wheels to protect the body from mud and stones.

For teachers: the part of an automobile body that encloses the wheel well, specifically designed to contain road debris and protect the vehicle's structure.

- The car had a small dent in the front fender after the minor accident.
- The collision resulted in significant damage to the front left fender, requiring a full replacement of the panel and the headlight assembly.

### 2. nautical buffer

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a cushion or soft object hung over the side of a boat to prevent it from hitting a dock.

For teachers: a cushion-like device, typically made of rubber or plastic, suspended from a vessel to absorb impact and prevent damage when mooring.

- Make sure to put the fenders out before we reach the dock.
- The crew deployed several large cylindrical fenders along the starboard side to protect the hull while passing through the narrow lock.

### 3. bicycle mudguard

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a curved piece of metal or plastic over a bicycle wheel that stops mud from splashing you.

For teachers: a guard over the wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle intended to deflect water and mud spray.

- I installed new fenders on my bike so I wouldn't get dirty riding in the rain.
- Commuter bicycles often feature full-length fenders to ensure the rider remains dry during inclement weather.

### 4. fireplace guard

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a low metal frame placed in front of a fireplace to stop hot coals from falling onto the floor.

For teachers: a low metal frame or screen placed on the hearth in front of a fireplace to contain embers and ash.

- The antique brass fender looked beautiful in front of the roaring fire.
- The Victorian drawing room featured an ornate cast-iron fender designed to prevent stray sparks from damaging the expensive rug.

### 5. brand of guitar

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a famous brand of electric guitars and amplifiers.

For teachers: a proprietary name for instruments produced by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, often used as a common noun for the guitars themselves.

- He has played a sunburst Fender for his entire professional career.
- The lead guitarist preferred the bright, twangy tone of his vintage Fender over the heavier sound of other solid-body electrics.

## Examples

- The crew hung a fender over the side before docking.
- As the yacht approached the concrete pier, the captain shouted for the deckhand to lower a large fender to protect the hull.
- In heavy swells, the constant friction between the hull and the quay can puncture a low-quality fender, leading to significant structural abrasional damage if not monitored closely.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.