defender

noun

de·​fend·​er di-ˈfen-dər 
Synonyms of defender
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.
Coleman is a savvy slot receiver who can make defenders miss. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Young defenders Kota Takai and Souza are still at the club as things stand. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The junior defender returned with a wealth of new knowledge and motivation. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Almirón got by Sporting Kansas City defender Moisés Mosquera with several stop-and-go moves before serving a precise pass to Tomás Jacob for a score in the 13th minute. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 24 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defender

noun
de·​fend·​er -ˈfen-dər 
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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