messenger

noun

mes·​sen·​ger ˈme-sᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
Synonyms of messengernext
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 of messenger

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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
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.
The messenger planet will also meet with Jupiter and Uranus in your sign, bringing opportunities for work and conversations that could change everything. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 In the space of a week, a flaw in a leading bitcoin hardware wallet left users’ funds vulnerable and Russia moved against the founder of a messenger marketed on privacy. — Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The messages to Cole were sent on Facebook messenger days after Wells' body was recovered under the name yaeyae962, which an FBI agent traced to Dumarce, according to the complaint. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 31 July 2026 The ancient route was first traveled by hunter-gatherers, before being used by Indigenous traders, Inca messengers, Spanish colonists, and railway workers, among others. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for messenger

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of messenger was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing messenger

Browse Nearby Words

Messene
messenger
messenger-at-arms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Messenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messenger. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
: one that carries a message or does an errand

Medical Definition

messenger

noun
mes·​sen·​ger ˈmes-ᵊn-jər How to pronounce messenger (audio)
1
: a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect see first messenger, second messenger
2
: messenger rna

More from Merriam-Webster on messenger

Nglish: Translation of messenger for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about messenger

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