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Definition of mudguard

mudguard

/ˈmʌdˌɡɑːrd/
mud · guard
Plural:mudguards
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mudguard Lexical Profile

mudguard Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A curved strip or cover fitted over or just behind the wheel of a bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle to protect the rider, pedestrians, and the vehicle body from mud, water, and debris thrown up by the tires.

Example

"She installed a new rear mudguard on her mountain bike to keep her back clean during rainy commutes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mudguard

Word Nuance & Usage

In American English, the equivalent term for an automobile's mudguard is typically 'fender', whereas 'mudguard' remains in common use universally for bicycles and motorcycles.

• Nearby Words

mud plantain
mud snake
mud turtle
mudguard
mudminnow
mudpuppy
mudskipper

Word Origin & Etymology

Late 19th century: a compound of 'mud' and 'guard', coined during the widespread adoption of bicycles and early motorized vehicles to describe the protective cover placed over wheels.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mudguard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mudguard
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