courier

noun

cou·​ri·​er ˈku̇r-ē-ər 

ˈkər-ē-,

ˈkə-rē-

1

: messenger: such as

a

: a member of a diplomatic (see diplomatic sense 2) service entrusted with bearing messages

b(1)

: an espionage agent transferring secret information

(2)

: a runner of contraband (see contraband sense 2)

drug couriers

c

: a member of the armed services whose duties include carrying mail, information, or supplies

2

: a traveler's paid attendant

especially : a tourists' guide employed by a travel agency

Synonyms

• bootlegger
• contrabandist
• runner
• smuggler

Examples of courier in a Sentence

Police recently arrested a drug courier in our neighborhood.

A courier just left a package for you on the porch.

Recent Examples on the Web

These offerings allow restaurant chains to build delivery ordering into their own websites and apps, so customers can use their technology and couriers without having to go to the Uber or DoorDash apps or website. —Natalie Lung, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

But Texas state lawmakers are considering forcing several changes, ranging from a legal ban on sales through courier companies to shutting down the agency by taking away all of its funding. —Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Mindell and Grief were criticized after an increase in third-party lottery ticket couriers and a single group bought every ticket combination possible to win the $95 million jackpot in 2023, The Texas Tribune reported. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025

This fee is subject to fuel surcharges and will apply based on the billable weight of the shipment, according to the courier. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French corier, courrier, borrowed from Italian corriere, from correre "to run" (going back to Latin currere) + -iere -ier — more at current entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing courier

• vaunt-courier

Rhymes for courier

• furrier
• spurrier

Kids Definition

courier

noun

cou·​ri·​er ˈku̇r-ē-ər 

ˈkər-ē-,

ˈkə-rē-

: a messenger especially in the diplomatic service

Etymology

Middle English courrier "a person who carries (runs) messages from one place to another quickly," from early Italian corriere (same meaning), derived from Latin currere "to run" — related to current