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

Its stars were award presenters at the Golden Globes, appeared on every major talk show, and served as torchbearers for the Winter Olympics in Italy. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

An Indigenous story told by Indigenous filmmakers, ‘Angh’ represents some of the most exciting cinema emerging from India’s margins, with the potential to become a torchbearer for a new, truly global Indian cinema. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Pop, in making his dream a reality, became a hero and a torchbearer. — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Jimmy Fallon has spent most of the summer as the sole torchbearer for late-night on broadcast television. — Peter White, Deadline, 17 Aug. 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