standard-bearer

noun

stan·​dard-bear·​er ˈstan-dərd-ˌber-ər How to pronounce standard-bearer (audio)
Synonyms of standard-bearernext
1
: one who bears a standard or banner
2
: one that leads an organization, movement, or party
a standard-bearer for political reform

Examples of standard-bearer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gonzales, a 43-year-old two-term state senator from Denver, has framed her candidacy in large part as a progressive critique and challenge to the Democratic Party’s more moderate standard-bearers, like Hickenlooper. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 Having begun his tenure as a fringe figure, one of three abolitionists in the Senate, Sumner became ever more the standard-bearer for northern resistance. Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 With a second consecutive triumph, Texas can establish itself as this sport’s new standard-bearer. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The Patterson House has been the standard-bearer for Nashville’s craft cocktail culture since 2009, earning nods from the James Beard Foundation and Bon Appétit along the way. Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for standard-bearer

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of standard-bearer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standard-bearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard-bearer. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

standard-bearer

noun
stan·​dard-bear·​er
ˈstan-dərd-ˌbar-ər
-ˌber-
1
: one who bears a standard or banner
2
: the leader of an organization or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on standard-bearer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster