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.
An mRNA vaccine, or messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine, is a type of immunization that uses a copy of a molecule called messenger RNA to help the body create an effective immune response. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Separately, the federal tech ministry has also asked Meta’s WhatsApp messenger to delay the launch of its new usernames feature — which allows users to connect without sharing numbers — over impersonation and digital arrest concerns. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 On April 28, 1915, eleven months to the day of the Empress’s last lap, the Mounsey household received an update from overseas, hand-delivered by a messenger boy. — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 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 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 13 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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