torchbearer

American  

[tawrch-bair-er] / ˈtɔrtʃˌbɛər ər /

noun

1. a person who carries a torch.

2. a leader in a movement, campaign, etc..

   a torchbearer of democracy.

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torchbearer British  

/ ˈtɔːtʃˌbɛərə /

noun

1. a person or thing that carries a torch

2. a person who leads or inspires

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Etymology

Origin of torchbearer

First recorded in 1530–40; torch ¹ + bearer

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

torchbearer

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

Thousands of people waiting in a rainy Piazza del Duomo cheered as torchbearer Nicoletta Manni, an Italian ballerina, carried it into the square, over an hour behind schedule.

From Barron's ● Feb. 5, 2026

There has been some immediate discontent from Scottish Labour figures over this news – that after years being their sole torchbearer at Westminster, Murray has lasted barely a year as Scottish secretary.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2025

Fauja Singh, a torchbearer at the 2012 London Olympics and the world’s oldest marathon runner, died Monday in a hit-and-run, according to police in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2025

The torchbearer pulled her cowl down and let it rest under her chin.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

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