Courier — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈku̇r-ē-ər/ cou·ri·er

Meaning & Definition of Courier

Courier (noun)

  1. messenger
  2. a member of a diplomatic service entrusted with bearing messages
  3. an espionage agent transferring secret information

Courier (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally

    "under wartime rationing, the only way to obtain some foods was from a courier"

    similar: bootlegger, contrabandist, runner, smuggler
    related: coyote, gunrunner, mule (slang)

  2. one that carries a message or does an errand

    "a courier just delivered a package for you"

    similar: express (British), go-between, messenger, page, runner
    related: forerunner, harbinger, herald, agent, ambassador, delegate, deputy, emissary, envoy, representative, bearer, carrier, deliveryman, letter carrier, mail carrier, mailman

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Courier

The most common words with a similar meaning to Courier:

British: express
bootlegger, contrabandist, runner, smuggler, go-between, messenger, page

Related Words for Courier

coyote, gunrunner, mule, forerunner, harbinger, herald, agent, ambassador, delegate, deputy, emissary, envoy, representative, bearer, carrier, deliveryman, letter carrier, mail carrier, mailman

Origin & Etymology of Courier

borrowed from Middle French corier, courrier, borrowed from Italian corriere, from correre "to run" (going back to Latin currere) + -iere -ier current:1

First known use: 1579

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Courier

Words & Phrases Containing Courier

vaunt-courier

Frequently Asked Questions about Courier

What does "Courier" mean?

"Courier" means messenger. As a noun, it is defined as: messenger. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Courier"?

Other words for "Courier" include bootlegger, contrabandist, runner, smuggler, express, go-between, messenger and page. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Courier" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Courier"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Courier". Common alternatives include bootlegger, contrabandist, runner, smuggler, express, go-between, messenger and page.

How do you use "Courier" in a sentence?

Examples of "Courier" in a sentence: "under wartime rationing, the only way to obtain some foods was from a courier"; "a courier just delivered a package for you".

Is "Courier" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Courier" is a noun.

Is "Courier" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Courier" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Courier"?

"Courier" is pronounced /ˈku̇r-ē-ər/ and divided into syllables as cou·ri·er.

What is the origin of the word "Courier"?

"Courier" comes from borrowed from Middle French corier, courrier, borrowed from Italian corriere, from correre "to run" (going back to Latin currere) + -iere -ier current:1. First known use: 1579.