bearer

noun

bear·​er ˈber-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
: one that bears: such as
b
: a plant yielding fruit
d
: one holding a check, draft, bond, or other order for payment especially if marked payable to bearer
often used attributively
bearer bonds

Examples of bearer in a Sentence

the bearer of a U.S. passport The check was marked “payable to bearer.”
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.
That's what's happened to the Republican Party since Donald Trump became its standard bearer eight years ago. NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 There’s the great house girl, represented with a pot and spoon to signify her role, and a gift bearer carrying a basket with two pillows. Kizzy Cox, Essence, 5 Sep. 2024 Be the sunshine in the room instead of the bearer of bad news. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024 The bearer of that news was Yankees manager Miller Huggins, who got Ruth’s OK by offering a massive salary hike. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bearer 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearer was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bearer

Cite this Entry

“Bearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearer. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bearer

noun
bear·​er ˈbar-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
ˈber-
1
: someone or something that bears, supports, or carries
2
: a person holding a check or order for payment

Legal Definition

bearer

1 of 2 noun
bear·​er ˈbar-ər How to pronounce bearer (audio)
: a person holding a check, draft, or other negotiable instrument for payment especially marked payable to bearer or having a blank endorsement

bearer

2 of 2 adjective
: freely transferable by the holder with or without endorsement and with full title passing by delivery to the transferee: as
a
: not having a registered owner
b
: not designating a specific payee
a bearer instrument
bearer checks
compare order
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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