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1showing gentleness, kindness, and affection: he was being so kind and tender she covered his face with tender kisses
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(tender of) archaic solicitous of: be tender of a lady’s reputation
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2(of a part of the body) sensitive to pain: the pale, tender skin of her forearm
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(of a plant) easily injured by severe weather and therefore needing protection: pelargoniums are colourful but tender plants
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requiring tact or careful handling: the issue of conscription was a particularly tender one
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3(of food) easy to cut or chew; not tough: tender green beans
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4young, inexperienced, or vulnerable: he started sailing at the tender age of ten
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5 Nautical (of a ship) leaning or readily inclined to roll in response to the wind.
