messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈme-sᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
Synonyms of messengernext
1
: one who bears a message or does an errand: such as
a
archaic : forerunner, herald
b
: a dispatch bearer in government or military service
c
: an employee who carries messages
2
: a light line used in hauling a heavier line (as between ships)
3
: a substance (such as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect
4
: messenger rna

Synonyms of messenger

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Examples of messenger in a Sentence

They sent a messenger to pick up the package. the messenger comes by twice a day to pick up packages
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.
Among the traditions preserved by the Gion Matsuri is the choosing of a boy as a sacred messenger to the gods. — ABC News, 19 July 2026 The Trojans kill the messenger, then haul the horse past their walled city’s impenetrable gates. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026 Writing detaches the message from the messenger, allowing for a more dispassionate spread of information than was possible in oral societies. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Hormones such as estrogen and thyroid hormone are chemical messengers that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction and many other essential functions through the endocrine system. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for messenger

Word History

Etymology

Middle English messangere, from Anglo-French messager, messanger, from message

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of messenger was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing messenger

Browse Nearby Words

Messene
messenger
messenger-at-arms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Messenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messenger. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
: one that carries a message or does an errand

Medical Definition

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
1
: a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect see first messenger, second messenger
2
: messenger rna

More from Merriam-Webster on messenger

Nglish: Translation of messenger for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about messenger

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