torchbearer

noun

torch·​bear·​er ˈtȯrch-ˌber-ər 

1

: one that carries a torch

2

: someone in the forefront of a campaign, crusade, or movement

Examples of torchbearer in a Sentence

He became the torchbearer for civil rights.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the band itself is seemingly the heir apparent torchbearers of the jam scene, Goose was coming in red hot to Northlands after a recent gig at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Colorado, an audience of thousands in attendance. —Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2024

Joining the cast in the waning days of the third golden age (the Wiig-Hader-Sudeikis-Samberg years), Killam served as a key link and torchbearer for the show before Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong began their dominant run. —Andy Hoglund, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2024

Brands like Kimpton Hotels and Virgin Hotels reign as the ultimate torchbearers in upscale pet-friendly hotels. —Paul Rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2024

The torch was then handed over from the high priestess to a torchbearer, beginning the long journey which will span over 3,000 miles as the torch makes its way to Paris for the start of the 2024 Olympics on July 26. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1