messenger
MEHS-uhn-juh
Messenger (noun) means a person (or, historically, animal or vehicle) whose job is to carry messages between people. Example: “The messenger ran up the hill with an urgent note for the captain.”
noun
1
A person (or, historically, animal or vehicle) whose job is to carry messages between people.
"The messenger ran up the hill with an urgent note for the captain."
"A bike messenger delivered the contract across town in twenty minutes."
"In ancient times, kings relied on messengers to carry news between cities."
2
An app or program used for sending instant messages.
"My sister uses a messenger on her phone to chat with friends abroad."
"Open the messenger and send me the photo from last night."
"They switched from texting to a messenger app to share photos more easily."
How to use messenger
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) whose job is to carry and deliver messages.
Common pairings
bike messenger
messenger app
send by messenger
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Word forms
- Plural
- messengers
- Third person singular
- messengers
- Past tense
- messengered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ ran up the hill with an urgent note for the captain.
Etymology
From Old French messagier (from message), with an extra "n" that crept in the way it did in similar words like "passenger" and "scavenger".
Related words
Rhymes for messenger
See all rhymes for messenger →Frequently asked questions
What does “messenger” mean?
The word “messenger” means a person (or, historically, animal or vehicle) whose job is to carry messages between people. In plain terms, someone (or something) whose job is to carry and deliver messages.
How do you pronounce “messenger”?
“Messenger” is pronounced MEHS-uhn-juh (/ˈmɛs.ən.d͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “messenger” in a sentence?
Here is “messenger” used in a sentence: “A bike messenger delivered the contract across town in twenty minutes.”
What part of speech is “messenger”?
“Messenger” is a noun.
Where does the word “messenger” come from?
The word “messenger” comes from Old French. From Old French messagier (from message), with an extra "n" that crept in the way it did in similar words like "passenger" and "scavenger".
Is “messenger” a common word?
“Messenger” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “messenger” have?
“Messenger” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person (or, historically, animal or vehicle) whose job is to carry messages between people.
What is the difference between a "messenger" and a "courier"?
A "messenger" carries messages or information between people and historically ran errands on foot or horseback. A "courier" typically delivers physical parcels, documents, or goods, often as a commercial service; both, however, carry something from sender to recipient.
What is the difference between "messenger" and "message"?
A "message" is the piece of information being communicated, while a "messenger" is the person, app, or means that carries or delivers it. The saying "don't shoot the messenger" warns against blaming the bearer for the news itself.
What are common types of "messenger"?
Traditionally a messenger was a person, or even an animal such as a carrier pigeon, employed to carry messages. Today "messenger" also refers to apps and programs used for sending instant messages online.
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