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

• 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

And the state is trying to push Russians who bought their phone before September 1 to adopt Max by limiting access to other messenger apps. —Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025

While Bob struggles to charge the low-tech phone that’ll connect him with the French 75, Sensei coordinates skateboarders as messengers and directs his relatives and employees to evacuate the dozens of migrants his family is sheltering to a nearby church. —Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

In this smoldering Water sign, the messenger planet doesn’t do small talk. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Teachers are messengers of knowledge and education. —Ikram Talaat Ahmed, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025

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 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