torchbearer

noun

torch·​bear·​er ˈtȯrch-ˌber-ər How to pronounce torchbearer (audio)
1
: one that carries a torch
2
: someone in the forefront of a campaign, crusade, or movement

Examples of torchbearer in a Sentence

He became the torchbearer for civil rights.
Recent Examples on the Web Out of the gate, the Rangers were happily absorbed into the bluegrass world, a space where many purists in the scene felt the group could be the torchbearers of the next generation. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 In so many ways, Mr. Ramaswamy feels to her like the next torchbearer for the America First approach. Jennifer Medina Jordan Gale, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2024 Millennials, about two times more likely to possess a college degree than their boomer counterparts, are the torchbearers of the new era. Caleb Richter, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 This is a call to action for mothers to be the torchbearers of change, the advocates for justice and equality, and the defenders of our heritage. Essence, 4 Oct. 2023 Sarah Jakes Roberts, the torchbearer of her father T.D. Jakes’ ministry, is gearing up for the fifth annual Women Evolve conference, set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas this weekend. Essence, 14 Sep. 2023 What resulted is the latest Mule offering, Peace…Like a River, an undulating sonic landscape blending elements of rock, blues, soul, funk and folk — all signature ingredients at the heart of what has made the band, and Haynes himself, one of the torchbearers of eclectic rock music. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2023 Boss Morris may be the flashiest torchbearers for modern Morris dancing, but others are waiting in the wings. Genevieve Marks, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2023 She’s been a torchbearer for Asian representation through her wardrobe, donning brands like RIN by Chung Thanh Phong and Mukzin, which ingeniously marry modern aesthetics with traditional Asian motifs. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 17 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torchbearer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of torchbearer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near torchbearer

Cite this Entry

“Torchbearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torchbearer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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