noun
Uncommon
courier
KUU-ree-uh
Courier (noun) means a person or company that delivers messages, documents, or packages, often quickly or directly. Example: “A courier dropped off the contract at noon.”
noun
1
A person or company that delivers messages, documents, or packages, often quickly or directly.
"A courier dropped off the contract at noon."
"We use an overnight courier for urgent shipments."
"The courier waited at the door until someone came to sign for the parcel."
verb
1
To send something by courier.
"Can you courier these documents to the client today?"
"The samples were couriered to the lab overnight."
"The law firm will courier the signed forms to your office tomorrow morning."
How to use courier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or some company) whose job is delivering things fast, or the act of sending something that way.
Common pairings
courier service
by courier
bike courier
courier company
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Word forms
- Plural
- couriers
- Third person singular
- couriers
- Past tense
- couriered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ dropped off the contract at noon.
Etymology
From Old French coreor (an agent noun of corir, "to run") merging with Middle French courrier, itself from Italian corriere — all ultimately about someone who runs or travels to deliver something.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for courier
See all rhymes for courier →Frequently asked questions
What does “courier” mean?
The word “courier” means a person or company that delivers messages, documents, or packages, often quickly or directly. In plain terms, someone (or some company) whose job is delivering things fast, or the act of sending something that way.
How do you pronounce “courier”?
“Courier” is pronounced KUU-ree-uh (/ˈkʊɹ.i.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “courier” in a sentence?
Here is “courier” used in a sentence: “A courier dropped off the contract at noon.”
What part of speech is “courier”?
Depending on how it is used, “courier” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “courier” come from?
The word “courier” comes from Old French. From Old French coreor (an agent noun of corir, "to run") merging with Middle French courrier, itself from Italian corriere — all ultimately about someone who runs or travels to deliver something.
Is “courier” a common word?
“Courier” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “courier” have?
“Courier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or company that delivers messages, documents, or packages, often quickly or directly.
What is the difference between a courier and a mail carrier?
A courier typically delivers documents or packages quickly and directly, often the same day, sometimes hand-carrying a single item from sender to recipient. A mail carrier, by contrast, delivers standard postal mail on a fixed route as part of a larger batch, usually through a national postal service rather than a dedicated point-to-point service.
When should you use courier instead of delivery service?
Use "courier" when speed and directness matter, such as for urgent legal documents, medical samples, or same-day parcels, since the word implies a fast, often personal delivery. "Delivery service" is a broader term that can include slower, scheduled, or bulk shipments where speed is not the main selling point.
Can courier be used as a verb?
Yes, courier can function as a verb meaning to send something by courier, as in "We couriered the contract over this morning." This usage is common in British English and in business contexts where speed of delivery is being emphasized.
