standard-bearer

noun

stan·​dard-bear·​er ˈstan-dərd-ˌber-ər 

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

The message is a remarkable one coming from the state’s Democratic standard-bearer, who will likely be expected to unify left-leaning voters behind the party’s eventual nominee in the aftermath of a contentious primary. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

The Vermont senator, a progressive standard-bearer and arguably Platner's biggest Capitol Hill ally, likely put one of the final nails in the coffin of his once-formidable campaign. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Shakira were the era’s standard-bearers – but crucially, their biggest international hits were performed in English. — Faye Bradley, Variety, 2 July 2026

On Monday, the Canucks added a third-round pick and a high-quality person capable of serving as a new cultural standard-bearer for the team. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for standard-bearer

• bearer
• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer
• terror
• wearer
• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer

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