an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
"The engine's fender struck the rail as it rounded the sharp curve."
a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth
"The old fireplace had a rusted fender at its base to catch the burning embers and keep them from scorching the floor."
panel of a car which encloses the wheel area, especially the front wheels
"I bought my first electric fender from a music store last week."
A guitar produced by the Fender company.
In plain English: A fender is a metal guard attached to cars that protects them from damage when hitting things on the road.
"The driver bent down to fix the dent in the car's fender after hitting a pothole."
Usage: As a noun, this word refers specifically to the curved panels on a vehicle that cover the tires. When used as a verb in nautical contexts, it means to strike or hit with these protective boards.
To use fenders to protect the side of a boat
"He wrapped rubber fenders around the hull to prevent it from scraping against the dock."
In plain English: To fender something means to successfully avoid it by moving out of its way quickly.
"The car fender-bumped into the parked truck while merging onto the highway."
A surname, from German of German origin, a variant of Fenrich or Fendler.
"After years of service at the local factory, Mr. Fender was finally promoted to shift manager."
The word fender comes from adding the suffix "-er" to the verb fend, which means to ward off or protect something. This formation highlights its original function as a device used to deflect blows or damage.