torchbearer
Americannoun
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a person who carries a torch.
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a leader in a movement, campaign, etc..
a torchbearer of democracy.
noun
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a person or thing that carries a torch
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a person who leads or inspires
Etymology
Origin of torchbearer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The late Justice Antonin Scalia was the doctrine’s pioneer, and its current torchbearer is Thomas, who is steeped in the academic literature that underpins originalist theory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
Greece's rowing bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Petros Gaidatzis, has been selected to be the first torchbearer to launch the Greek leg of the Olympic flame relay.
From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 2025
A torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh clocked several milestones during his running career, including reportedly becoming the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in 2011 in Toronto.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2025
After handing off to the next torchbearer, the European collective was greeted by French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra.
From Seattle Times ● May 9, 2024
The torchbearer who had followed Niran came forward; she was a woman, her black hair hanging in a long braid over her shoulder.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
