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

These programs, using community messengers to reduce gun violence, have shown effectiveness of up to 60%. —Kizzy Cox, Essence, 16 Oct. 2024

Making this transition from messenger to data detective requires a shift in mindset. —Doron Sitbon, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Alongside staples in muted colors including gray, a favorite of house founder Christian Dior, the collection features accessories such as a messenger, tote and weekender made of Dior Gravity leather, which features a maxi version of the brand’s signature Dior Oblique motif. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 7 Oct. 2024

These teensy chains act as molecular-level messengers between skin cells, directing them to address skin elasticity and hydration—two key factors in wrinkle severity. —Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Sep. 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