bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈber-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
: one that bears: such as
b
: a plant yielding fruit
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
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.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the evidence isn’t comforting. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Trudeau's departure, which handed leadership to the cerebral former central banker Mark Carney, proved a political masterstroke, allowing the party to rebound in the absence of its tarnished standard bearer. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 This year, the organization is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the franchise instead of just focusing on the 20th for the 2005 team that is the lone standard bearer for modern success on the South Side. Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Sure there’s the GA and VIP wristband wearers, plus the coveted artist band bracelets bearers. Daniela Avila, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bearer

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearer was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearer. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bearer

noun
bear·​er ˈbar-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
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 How to pronounce bearer (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bearer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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