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

In daylight hours, sixteen-year-old Ashlyn Threadneedle works as a messenger for the government of the New British Republic. — Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

Lakshmana’s final act of service occurs when Kala (time personified), disguised as an ascetic messenger, requests a private audience with Rama. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

When a health threat arrives, the messenger is already a familiar face. — Michelle A. Williams, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

In plain terms, your brain uses that chemical messenger to tell facial muscles to tighten, and botulinum toxin products briefly interrupt the signal in the small area that’s injected. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 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