bender: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2 (for 'drinking spree' meaning); C1 (for other meanings)Informal, colloquial. The 'drinking spree' meaning is common in spoken English and informal writing. The mechanical/tool meaning is neutral/technical.
Quick answer
What does “bender” mean?
A period of excessive indulgence in drinking alcohol, often lasting several days.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period of excessive indulgence in drinking alcohol, often lasting several days.
A wild spree or unrestrained activity (can refer to drinking, shopping, watching TV, etc.). Also: a device that bends something (e.g., pipe bender); (slang, chiefly UK) a homosexual man (derogatory, offensive).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'drinking spree' meaning is common in both. The derogatory slang for a homosexual man is primarily British, now considered highly offensive. The tool/device meaning is neutral and used in both.
Connotations
In both, 'bender' for a spree carries connotations of recklessness, fun, and potential regret. In US, it's strongly tied to alcohol; in UK, context might be needed to avoid the offensive slang meaning.
Frequency
More frequent in informal speech than in formal writing in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “bender” in a Sentence
[Subject] go on a bender[Subject] be on a bender[Subject] have a bender (UK informal)a bender of [duration/type] (e.g., a bender of epic proportions)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bender” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- After the promotion, he went on a proper two-day bender.
- We need a conduit bender for this electrical job.
- (Slang, offensive) That comedian's routine used outdated terms like 'bender'.
American English
- She went on a coffee bender to finish her thesis.
- The plumber used a pipe bender on the copper tubing.
- His Vegas bender left him with more stories than money.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps informally: 'He won't be in after his conference bender.'
Academic
Very rare in formal texts. Might appear in sociological studies on substance use.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation about social behaviour: 'He's recovering from a birthday bender.'
Technical
Specific to engineering/manufacturing: 'The hydraulic bender shapes the metal conduit.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bender”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bender”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bender”
- Using it in formal contexts. Confusing it with 'bend' as a verb only. Incorrect preposition: 'in a bender' instead of 'on a bender'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most common informal meaning is an alcohol-fuelled spree, it can be extended to any excessive activity (e.g., 'a shopping bender', 'a Netflix bender'). The context makes the object of indulgence clear.
Yes, in British English, using 'bender' as a noun for a person is a derogatory and offensive slang term for a homosexual man. It should be avoided entirely. In other contexts (like the spree), it is not a personal slur but is very informal.
They are largely synonymous for drinking. 'Binge' can be used more widely (binge-eating, binge-watching) and sometimes implies a shorter, more intense period. 'Bender' strongly implies a prolonged period (multiple days) of dedicated drinking and reckless behaviour.
Not in standard usage for the spree meaning. The verb is 'to bend'. One 'goes on a bender' (noun). In mechanics, one 'bends' pipe using a 'bender' (noun).
A period of excessive indulgence in drinking alcohol, often lasting several days.
Bender is usually informal, colloquial. the 'drinking spree' meaning is common in spoken english and informal writing. the mechanical/tool meaning is neutral/technical. in register.
Bender: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛndə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a bender”
- “Bend the elbow (related idiom for drinking)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BENDING the rules of moderation during a BENDER.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / ACTIVITY IS A PATH: 'going on' a bender. EXCESS IS A PHYSICAL FORCE: a bender 'takes you over' or 'you go on one'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'bender'?