messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger | \ ˈme-sᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio) \

Definition of messenger

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

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Synonyms for messenger

Synonyms

courier, express [British], go-between, page, runner

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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 treatment creates an electric current that will result in the release neurotransmitters, essentially the body’s chemical messengers, such as serotonin and dopamine. Mike Glenn, Houston Chronicle, "Katy psychiatrist offers new treatment options for depression," 24 June 2019 Don't blame the messenger Jackson was conciliatory. Byron Mccauley, Cincinnati.com, "Meet Danny Jackson, the man who cleans up roadkill from Cincinnati streets," 20 June 2019 No, no, shooting the messenger isn't surprising either. NBC News, "Meet the Press - June 16, 2019," 16 June 2019 At all times, Trump is both the best and worst messenger for his cause. Gilbert Garcia, ExpressNews.com, "History suggests Trump will be tough to beat in 2020," 13 July 2019 Deer are traditionally a messenger of gods in Japan’s native Shinto religion and roam freely in the park in the capital city of Nara prefecture. BostonGlobe.com, "9 deer at famed park in Japan die after eating plastic bags," 10 July 2019 Finally, on September 8, after months of silence, Alli received a response from West Elm customer service via Facebook messenger. Angela Lashbrook, Vox, "West Elm won over millennials. But now it’s really pissing them off.," 12 Oct. 2018 Various blogs and messenger services carried the news that people should come with food and water, because nothing was available in the neighborhood. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, "The Arrest of a Russian Investigative Journalist Prompts Outrage and Solidarity," 10 June 2019 Most of the time, the store hires a messenger service to deliver small packages for you, so your delivery person likely isn’t being paid much per hour. Nikhita Mahtani, House Beautiful, "How Much Should I Tip for This Service?," 30 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'messenger.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of messenger

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for messenger

Middle English messangere, from Anglo-French messager, messanger, from message

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More Definitions for messenger

messenger

noun

English Language Learners Definition of messenger

: someone who delivers a message or does other small jobs that involve going somewhere

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger | \ ˈme-sᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio) \

Kids Definition of messenger

: a person who carries a message or does an errand

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger | \ ˈmes-ᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio) \

Medical Definition of messenger

1 : a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect — see first messenger, second messenger

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