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

When light disappears in the evening, the pineal gland starts producing melatonin, the molecular messenger of darkness. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

One of the body’s natural defense mechanisms against a virus like COVID or influenza is the release of cytokines, proteins that act as chemical messengers helping to coordinate the immune system’s response. — Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

The new set will let builders assemble the mischievous supernatural messenger and his watchful bird companion. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 June 2026

Friends and community matter as your 11th House of Friendship brightens, with the emotional Moon there sextiling messenger Mercury in your 1st House of Identity. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 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
• messenger RNA vaccines

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