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

• courier
• express [British]
• go-between
• page
• 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

The song is the power; the singer is the messenger. —David Marchese, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

According to Hindu mythology, dogs are the messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death. —Peter Guo, NBC News, 2 Nov. 2024

The result is a backlash, not because people are necessarily against comedy or even rough humor, but because the clash of messages has created a sense of misalignment that leaves audiences questioning the messenger and the message alike. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Triple Lipid Peptide Cream has a blend of nourishing lipids like squalane and shea butter as well as signal peptides that work like little messengers that tell your skin to mimic that of a healthy 22 year-old for optimum skin barrier function. —Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

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 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