bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈber-ər 

: one that bears: such as

a

: porter sense 1

b

: a plant yielding fruit

c

: pallbearer

d

: one holding a check, draft, bond, or other order for payment especially if marked payable to bearer

—often used attributively

bearer bonds

Examples of bearer in a Sentence

the bearer of a U.S. passport

The check was marked “payable to bearer.”

Recent Examples on the Web

The star of Lynne Ramsey's new film (which is looking like a strong contender in the 2026 Oscars race) has become a standard bearer for those who defend bangs tooth and nail. —Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2025

The elder Sisniega competed in modern pentathlon and was a flag bearer at the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles. —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

In keeping with their decision, the couple opted not to have a ring bearer or a flower girl. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bearer

• color-bearer
• live-bearer
• ring bearer
• standard-bearer

Rhymes for bearer

• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer
• terror
• wearer
• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer
• repairer

Kids Definition

bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈbar-ər 

ˈber-

1

: someone or something that bears, supports, or carries

2

: a person holding a check or order for payment

Legal Definition

bearer

1 of 2 noun

bear·​er ˈbar-ər 

: a person holding a check, draft, or other negotiable instrument for payment especially marked payable to bearer or having a blank endorsement

bearer

2 of 2 adjective

: freely transferable by the holder with or without endorsement and with full title passing by delivery to the transferee: as

a

: not having a registered owner

b

: not designating a specific payee

a bearer instrument

bearer checks

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