messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈme-sᵊn-jər 

1

: one who bears a message or does an errand: such as

a

archaic : forerunner, herald

b

: a dispatch bearer in government or military service

c

: an employee who carries messages

2

: a light line used in hauling a heavier line (as between ships)

3

: a substance (such as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect

4

: messenger rna

Synonyms of messenger

• courier
• runner

Examples of messenger in a Sentence

They sent a messenger to pick up the package.

the messenger comes by twice a day to pick up packages

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Bielsa, the problem is the messenger. —Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

In Yuka’s tissue, the team identified hundreds of messenger RNAs—molecules that control which proteins cells make—and noncoding RNAs, which have other functions. —Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2025

The Innocenti later installed a revolving hatch behind a grated window, which granted the messenger more anonymity. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025

Production of hormones, which are chemical messengers that affect behavior and body processes. —Leigh Weddle, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English messangere, from Anglo-French messager, messanger, from message

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing messenger

• blame/shoot the messenger
• messenger bag
• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccine
• messenger RNA vaccines

Kids Definition

messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər 

: one that carries a message or does an errand

Medical Definition

messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər 

1

: a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect see first messenger, second messenger

2

: messenger rna