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

The pair presented at the 2026 Golden Globes, served as torchbearers in the 2026 Olympic Torch Relay and made their MET Gala debut in the just over seven months since the show premiered. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

The directors emphasize how Byrd became a torchbearer for legally obscene programming and an igniting force behind other adult content across digital media today. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Barham is now sober, a fatherand widely considered a statesman of Americana who is cited by today's torchbearers as an influence on their own music. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

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

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