standard-bearer

noun

stan·​dard-bear·​er ˈstan-dərd-ˌber-ər How to pronounce standard-bearer (audio)
Synonyms of standard-bearernext
1
: one who bears a standard or banner
2
: one that leads an organization, movement, or party
a standard-bearer for political reform

Examples of standard-bearer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Post-Punk For the past fifteen years, the Detroit band Protomartyr has established itself as a standard-bearer of noise and post-punk. Hilton Als, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025 The entire hour is a fascinating, glorious middle finger to various forms of bodily shame, and with Tolev stomping around the stage in huge black combat boots and a pleather jumpsuit, female too-muchness gets a new standard-bearer. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, the country remains a standard-bearer for oil, both in business and at the diplomatic negotiating table. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025 His campaign has drawn high-profile endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, reinforcing his status as the left’s standard-bearer in the race. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for standard-bearer

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of standard-bearer was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Standard-bearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard-bearer. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

standard-bearer

noun
stan·​dard-bear·​er
ˈstan-dərd-ˌbar-ər
-ˌber-
1
: one who bears a standard or banner
2
: the leader of an organization or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on standard-bearer

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