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

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

Researchers who are sincere, relatable and genuinely care are effective messengers for communicating uncertain or evolving information. — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

So, both populations of ribosomes latched onto the messenger RNA but used different populations of transfer RNAs to make a protein using the messenger. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

As its sign of rulership, this Earth sign gives the messenger planet a grounding outlet for its intellect and curiosity. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 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