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