defender

noun

de·​fend·​er di-ˈfen-dər How to pronounce defender (audio)
Synonyms of defendernext
1
: one that defends
2
: a player in a sport (such as football) assigned to a defensive position

Synonyms of defender

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Examples of defender in a Sentence

one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The move also represents a significant challenge for Harper, who was never an outstanding defender and now will have to quickly prepare his arm for a return to the position. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 He’s widely viewed as the best infield defender in the organization. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Jones and the rest of the Patriots’ defenders and coaches are working to get Jacas game ready after the rookie missed months of practice time. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 Pochettino views the next cycle as a new start for a program lacking quality depth at goalkeeper and central defender. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender

Word History

Etymology

Middle English defendour, defender, borrowed from Anglo-French defendour, defendur, from defend-, stem of defendre "to defend" + -our, -ur -or entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defender was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing defender

Rhymes for defender

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Browse Nearby Words

defendant
defender
defender office
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Cite this Entry

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defender. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defender

noun
de·​fend·​er -ˈfen-dər How to pronounce defender (audio)
1
: one that defends
2
: a player in a sport (as football) who plays a defensive position

Legal Definition

defender

noun
de·​fend·​er
: a lawyer who represents defendants
especially : public defender

More from Merriam-Webster on defender

Nglish: Translation of defender for Spanish Speakers

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