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

Writing detaches the message from the messenger, allowing for a more dispassionate spread of information than was possible in oral societies. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Hormones such as estrogen and thyroid hormone are chemical messengers that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction and many other essential functions through the endocrine system. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Magnesium helps produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter and brain chemical messenger that reduces nerve activity and helps people feel more relaxed. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 July 2026

Between Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Facebook messenger and Meta's audience network, Meta ads can reach a wide audience—especially with advanced targeting and retargeting features. — Al Sefati, Forbes.com, 30 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