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noun Uncommon

bearer

BEH-uh-ruh

Bearer (noun) means a person or thing that carries or holds something. Example: “The flag bearer led the parade.”

noun
1
A person or thing that carries or holds something.
"The flag bearer led the parade."
"As bearer of bad news, she chose her words carefully."
2
The person named or holding a document such as a cheque, entitling them to payment.
"The cheque was made payable to the bearer."

How to Use Bearer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who carries something — a flag, a message, or, in finance, a document that can be cashed by whoever holds it.

Common pairings
bearer of news bearer bond flag bearer

Word Forms

bearers plural, Bearers plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The flag _____ led the parade.

Etymology

From Old English berere, from bear ("to carry") + -er ("one who does").

Origin: Old English

carrier holder toter pallbearer

Related Words

Rhymes for bearer

See all rhymes for bearer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “bearer” mean?

The word “bearer” means a person or thing that carries or holds something. In plain terms, someone who carries something — a flag, a message, or, in finance, a document that can be cashed by whoever holds it.

How do you pronounce “bearer”?

“Bearer” is pronounced BEH-uh-ruh (/ˈbeɹɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “bearer” in a sentence?

Here is “bearer” used in a sentence: “The flag bearer led the parade.”

What part of speech is “bearer”?

“Bearer” is a noun.

Where does the word “bearer” come from?

The word “bearer” comes from Old English. From Old English berere, from bear ("to carry") + -er ("one who does").

Is “bearer” a common word?

“Bearer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bearer” have?

“Bearer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or thing that carries or holds something.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial