messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈme-sᵊn-jər 

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

• courier
• runner

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

Democrats are gearing up to crash the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas next week, sending their top messengers to highlight the affordability crisis and their own agenda for 2026. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026

Like Hamby, Gray posted a screenshot of the message and other online users seemingly tracked down the messenger. — Mike Wilson, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

For example, some sculptures establish sight lines while gazing toward other sculptures—a bronze representation of the messenger god Mercury in the Carter Collection room stares beyond its space to the Bateman Mercury, ca. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Despite recent scrutiny over his past associations and his history as Microsoft's CEO, Gates positions himself as a uniquely qualified messenger due to his tech background and philanthropic focus. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing messenger

• blame/shoot the messenger
• messenger bag
• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccine

Kids Definition

messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər 

: one that carries a message or does an errand

Medical Definition

messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər 

1

: a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect see first messenger, second messenger

2

: messenger rna