tendertendertenderstenderedtenderingtenderertenderestadjective1kind, gentle and loving: a tender look2Tender meat is soft and easy to cut or bite.oppositetough3If a part of your body is tender, it hurts when you touch it.same meaningsore▶ tenderlyadverbin a kind and gentle way: He touched her arm tenderly.▶ tendernessnoun (no plural): a feeling of tenderness