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

Alexander the Great is the most famous bearer of this illustrious name, but it was also given to Paris, the prince of Troy and lover of Helen, even though his actions brought war. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

The standard bearer of elegant style in life and on film, Hepburn had many a sartorial moment in the 1961 film based on Truman Capote’s novella of the same name, but her slinky Givenchy gown stole the show. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

When the midday temperatures begin to subside, Hama and I climb the path that the Newroz torch-bearers tread. —Nicola Chilton, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026

Hilary Knight and Evan Bates have been chosen as Team USA’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026

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

compare order