tender tender /ˈtɛndɝ/

adjective

1. () Having or displaying warmth or affection  ( lovesome , affectionate , tender , fond )
   having or displaying warmth or affection
    Affectionate children
   affectionate children
    A fond embrace
   a fond embrace
    Fond of his nephew
   fond of his nephew
    A tender glance
   a tender glance
   
2. () Young and immature  ( tender )
   young and immature
    At a tender age
   at a tender age
   
3. () Hurting  ( raw , sensitive , tender , sore )
   hurting
    The tender spot on his jaw
   the tender spot on his jaw
   
4. () Given to sympathy, gentleness or sentimentality  ( tender )
   given to sympathy, gentleness or sentimentality
    A tender heart
   a tender heart
    A tender smile
   a tender smile
    Tender loving care
   tender loving care
    Tender memories
   tender memories
    A tender mother
   a tender mother
   
5. () Easy to cut or chew  ( tender )
   easy to cut or chew
    Tender beef
   tender beef
   
6. (of plants) not hardy; easily killed by adverse growing condition  ( tender )
   (of plants) not hardy; easily killed by adverse growing condition
    Tender green shoots
   tender green shoots
   
7. (used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail  ( crank , tender , tippy , cranky [Informal] )
   (used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail
   
8. Physically untoughened  ( tender , untoughened )
   physically untoughened
    Tender feet
   tender feet
   

noun

1. Ship that usually provides supplies to other ships  ( supply ship , tender )
   ship that usually provides supplies to other ships
   
   
2. A boat for communication between ship and shore  ( cutter , pinnace , ship's boat , tender )
   a boat for communication between ship and shore
   
   
3. Car attached to a locomotive to carry fuel and water  ( tender )
   car attached to a locomotive to carry fuel and water
    The old steam locomotive had a tender attached to carry fuel and water.
   The old steam locomotive had a tender attached to carry fuel and water.
   
   
4. A formal proposal to buy at a specified price  ( bid , tender )
   a formal proposal to buy at a specified price
   
5. Someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another  ( attender , tender , attendant )
   someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
     The flight attendant greeted passengers with a warm smile as they boarded the plane.
   The flight attendant greeted passengers with a warm smile as they boarded the plane.
   
   
6. Something that can be used as an official medium of payment  ( legal tender , stamp , tender )
   something that can be used as an official medium of payment
   

verb

1. () Offer or present for acceptance  ( tender )
   offer or present for acceptance
   
2. Make tender or more tender as by marinating, pounding, or applying a tenderizer  ( tender , tenderise [British] , tenderize )
   make tender or more tender as by marinating, pounding, or applying a tenderizer
    Tenderize meat
   tenderize meat
   
3. Make a tender of; in legal settlements  ( tender )
   make a tender of; in legal settlements
   
4. Propose a payment  ( tender , offer , bid )
   propose a payment
    The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting
   The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting