courier

noun

cou·​ri·​er ˈku̇r-ē-ər How to pronounce courier (audio)
ˈkər-ē-, 
ˈkə-rē-
Synonyms of courier
1
: messenger: such as
a
: a member of a diplomatic (see diplomatic sense 2) service entrusted with bearing messages
b(1)
: an espionage agent transferring secret information
(2)
: a runner of contraband (see contraband sense 2)
drug couriers
c
: a member of the armed services whose duties include carrying mail, information, or supplies
2
: a traveler's paid attendant
especially : a tourists' guide employed by a travel agency

Synonyms of courier

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Examples of courier in a Sentence

Police recently arrested a drug courier in our neighborhood. A courier just left a package for you on the porch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Maria Palladini, former special agent for the Fish and Wildlife Service, Molt had a habit of taking couriers and dealers under his wing only to betray them. — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 In 2018, a young man named Hu Anyan found work in Beijing as a courier, after stints as a convenience-store clerk, a bicycle salesman, and a security guard. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Culture travels further than any courier shipping Solar Buddies worldwide. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The story takes place in the present day and focuses on a young medical courier, Bryan, who is an original character made for the film. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for courier

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French corier, courrier, borrowed from Italian corriere, from correre "to run" (going back to Latin currere) + -iere -ier — more at current entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of courier was in 1579

Phrases Containing courier

Rhymes for courier

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Browse Nearby Words

courie
courier
courlan
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Cite this Entry

“Courier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courier. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

courier

noun
cou·​ri·​er ˈku̇r-ē-ər How to pronounce courier (audio)
ˈkər-ē-, 
ˈkə-rē-
: a messenger especially in the diplomatic service
Etymology

Middle English courrier "a person who carries (runs) messages from one place to another quickly," from early Italian corriere (same meaning), derived from Latin currere "to run" — related to current

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Nglish: Translation of courier for Spanish Speakers

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