bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈber-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
Synonyms of bearernext
: 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.
But this week, the self-driving taxis are the bearer of happier news after a San Francisco woman gave birth in a Waymo. Janie Har, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025 Myeroff's nephew, Wesley, and her cousin's daughter, Blake, were the ring bearer and flower girl, respectively. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 In conversations around governors meetings in Phoenix, Arizona over the last few days, Democrats were at times effusive in sharing their belief that the party's presidential standard bearer in 2028 will be someone who has served like them. Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025 The relay will involve over 10,000 torch bearers, the Associated Press reported, with the Olympics noting 164 on the first day, not all of whom are former or current Olympians, with some actors and humanitarians also featured. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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 19 Dec. 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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