bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈber-ər 

: one that bears: such as

a

: porter sense 1

b

: a plant yielding fruit

c

: pallbearer

d

: one holding a check, draft, bond, or other order for payment especially if marked payable to bearer

—often used attributively

bearer bonds

Examples of bearer in a Sentence

the bearer of a U.S. passport

The check was marked “payable to bearer.”

Recent Examples on the Web

To date, 103 PTI workers and office bearers have been convicted in these courts—a blatant violation of Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or ICCPR. —Imran Khan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025

Water bearers usually start out with their significant others as acquaintances and watch the relationship develop into something more. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

How did Canada go from the world’s standard bearer — the country of Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur — to being outclassed at the most important position in its national sport? —James Mirtle, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Casket bearers were Tony Block, Tim Hahn, Greg Block, Jeremy Treichler, Terry Hahn, Cody Glesener and Josh Karnik. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bearer

• color-bearer
• live-bearer
• ring bearer
• standard-bearer

Rhymes for bearer

• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer
• terror
• wearer
• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer
• repairer

Kids Definition

bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈbar-ər 

ˈber-

1

: someone or something that bears, supports, or carries

2

: a person holding a check or order for payment

Legal Definition

bearer

1 of 2 noun

bear·​er ˈbar-ər 

: a person holding a check, draft, or other negotiable instrument for payment especially marked payable to bearer or having a blank endorsement

bearer

2 of 2 adjective

: freely transferable by the holder with or without endorsement and with full title passing by delivery to the transferee: as

a

: not having a registered owner

b

: not designating a specific payee

a bearer instrument

bearer checks

compare order