Word
bearer
Phoneticsbear·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɛɹɝ/
UK/bˈeəɹɐ/
Definitions
01a person who carries something
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who carries or holds something, often something important.
n. a person who carries, sustains, or supports something, often in a formal or official capacity.
“The flag bearer led the athletes into the stadium during the opening ceremony.”
“As the primary bearer of the family's traditions, she felt a heavy responsibility to ensure the annual festival was conducted perfectly.”
02messenger
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who brings a letter or a message to you.
n. a person who delivers a letter, message, or news on behalf of another party.
“The bearer of the letter waited at the gate for a written reply.”
“I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the flight has been cancelled due to the storm.”
03financial holder
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. the person who has a cheque or document and can receive the money for it.
n. the person in possession of a negotiable instrument, such as a cheque or bond, that is payable to whoever holds it.
“The cheque was made payable to the bearer, so anyone could cash it.”
“The central bank issued notes that promised to pay the bearer the equivalent value in gold upon request.”
Synonyms
04funeral attendant
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. one of the people who helps carry a coffin at a funeral.
n. a person who assists in carrying the coffin at a funeral procession.
“His four closest friends acted as pall bearers during the service.”
“The family requested that the deceased's former colleagues serve as bearers during the funeral march to the cemetery.”
Synonyms
05printing support
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a piece of metal or wood used in printing to keep the pressure even.
n. a strip of material or type-high metal used to support the plate or even out the impression during the printing process.
“The printer adjusted the bearers to ensure the ink was applied smoothly across the page.”
“Without properly aligned bearers, the printing press would apply uneven pressure, resulting in a blurred image on the final proof.”
Real-World Examples
“The road was lined on both sides with standard bearers who had lowered their flags before the cortege went past.” “Danny Welbeck, still going strong at 35, can be a standard bearer after joining from Brighton.” Etymology
From Middle English berer, berere, from Old English berere (attested in Old English wæterberere (“waterbearer”)), equivalent to bear + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bearer