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

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

Waterboy chef, Rick Mahan, is the standard-bearer of the city’s farm-to-fork scene. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Davies is also expected to shoulder enormous pressure as the standard-bearer of a program and of a growing sport at a time when the country desperately needs one. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Not with the 2028 presidential election already looming large for Democratic hopefuls as the party desperately seeks a standard-bearer to compete in a post-Trump political landscape. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 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