courier

American  

[kur-ee-er, koor-] / ˈkɜr i ər, ˈkʊər- /

noun

1. a messenger, usually traveling in haste, bearing urgent news, important reports or packages, diplomatic messages, etc.

2. any means of carrying news, messages, etc., regularly.

3. the conveyance used by a courier, as an airplane or ship.

4. Chiefly British. a tour guide for a travel agency.

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courier British  

/ ˈkʊərɪə /

noun

1. a special messenger, esp one carrying diplomatic correspondence

2. a person who makes arrangements for or accompanies a group of travellers on a journey or tour

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verb

1. (tr) to send (a parcel, letter, etc) by courier

Etymology

Origin of courier

1350–1400; < Middle French cour ( r ) ier < Italian corriere, equivalent to corr ( ere ) to run (< Latin currere ) + -iere < Latin -ārius -ary; replacing Middle English corour < Anglo-French cor ( i ) our, Old French coreor < Late Latin curritor runner; current, -tor

Example Sentences

A checkout button goes directly to a user account on Instacart’s webpage, where one can pay and leave delivery instructions for the courier.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some corners of the industry have become so transactional that babies are whisked away from hospitals not by their new parents, but by couriers with power of attorney documents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Backed by billions in investments, companies are testing aerial drones and wheeled robotic couriers to deliver fried chicken, poke bowls and other fast food to customers in several U.S. cities.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the cost of operating driverless vehicles comes down and more are made available, they’re expected to replace at least some of the millions of U.S. drivers and couriers currently working.

From MarketWatch

But when you’re the one doing the giving, suddenly anything not purchased or whisked to your door by a kindly courier in a blue or brown uniform can start to feel risky.

From Salon