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

Both were the standard-bearers in Washington. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Such individuals are the standard-bearers in their respective categories, setting winning records that remain unbeatable as the Oscars approach their centennial in 2028. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026

This year’s team defeated conference standard-bearer Vermont 74-59 on Saturday and enters the NCAA Tournament on a program-record 12-game winning streak. —The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026

Waterboy chef, Rick Mahan, is the standard-bearer of the city’s farm-to-fork scene. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 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