fender bender

noun

: a minor automobile accident

Examples of fender bender in a Sentence

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.
Ruzek heads to a local bar to see if anyone knows the owner, making up a story about a fender bender. — Claire Franken, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2025 Matching the high-wire tempo of the first season’s inciting fender bender, this opening sets up the theme of the season. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 In another case, a father taking his son to school waited for a deputy after being involved with fender bender. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2026 Calling this a rough season is like referring to the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg as a fender bender. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fender bender

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fender bender was circa 1962

Rhymes for fender bender

See All Rhymes for fender bender

Browse Nearby Words

fender beam
fender bender
fender bolt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fender bender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fender%20bender. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fender bender

Nglish: Translation of fender bender for Spanish Speakers

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