showing gentleness, kindness, and affection

he was being so kind and tender

she covered his face with tender kisses

(of food) easy to cut or chew; not tough

tender green beans

(of a part of the body) sensitive to pain

the pale, tender skin of her forearm

young, inexperienced, or vulnerable

he started sailing at the tender age of ten

(of a ship) leaning or readily inclined to roll in response to the wind

offer or present (something) formally

he tendered his resignation as leader

an offer to carry out work, supply goods, or buy land, shares, or another asset at a stated fixed price

we invited tenders for up to three more frigates

being government land, it was sold by tender

a minimum tender price

a vehicle used by a fire service for carrying specified supplies or equipment or fulfilling a specified role

three fire engines, including an emergency tender, attended the scene

a dinghy or other boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from a ship

a trailing vehicle closely coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water

a person who looks after someone else or a machine or place

Alexei signalled to one of the engine tenders