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

Meanwhile, the patient's cells read the mRNA and build a protein, breaking the messenger down. — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

MicroRNA acts as a molecular messenger, sending signals to other cells. — Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Over time, employees may stop trusting both the message and the messenger. — Don Weber, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

When an aide delivers a decision Harry dislikes, the easiest person to blame is the messenger. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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