torchbearer

noun

torch·​bear·​er ˈtȯrch-ˌber-ər 

1

: one that carries a torch

2

: someone in the forefront of a campaign, crusade, or movement

Examples of torchbearer in a Sentence

He became the torchbearer for civil rights.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lemieux died of suicide at age 60 on Thursday, according to authorities, after earlier in the week serving as the Montreal Canadiens' torchbearer prior to a playoff game. —ABC News, 30 May 2026

Lemieux had just been in Montreal on Monday as the pregame torchbearer at the Montreal Canadiens’ Bell Centre for Game 3 of his former team’s Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

Lemieux on Monday night was the Montreal Canadiens' torchbearer prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre. —CBS News, 28 May 2026

The Mick Martin Celestial Birthday Celebration doubles as a fundraiser for Sacramento Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools and features the newest iteration of Mick Martin Big Blues Band featuring Marcel Smith, joined by local torchbearers Dana Moret and Katie Knipp. —Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for torchbearer

• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer
• repairer
• seafarer
• wayfarer
• bearer
• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer