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 decision to add the controversial blue circle to the world’s leading secure messenger is controversial and has triggered user concern. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

WhatsApp isn’t the only messenger lacking cryptographic assurances for new group members. —ArsTechnica, 7 May 2025

This may be due to its ability to restore the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are chemical messengers in the brain.11 Animal studies show curcumin can reduce symptoms of depression, and some clinical trials support these findings. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 5 May 2025

Their fragile peace is disrupted by the arrival of a messenger – a man with haunting news from the outside world who rapidly shows symptoms of a mystery illness. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 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 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