standard-bearer

[stan-derd-bair-er]

noun

1. an officer or soldier of an army or military unit who bears a standard.

2. a conspicuous leader of a movement, political party, or the like.

standard-bearer

noun

1. an officer or man who carries a standard

2. a leader of a cause or party

Other Word Forms

• standard-bearership noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of standard-bearer¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

The next Democratic standard-bearer is unlikely to constrain him- or herself that way.

Read more on Barron's

But without a standard-bearer until the presidential race and the 2028 election, Democrats are grappling with how to land on a clear message, rebuild their brand and retool their strategy to win back voters.

Read more on BBC

Should he win next week’s election and become a standard-bearer of sorts for the Democrats, Republicans need to take care not to make the same mistake.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For this listener, “Nebraska ’82’”s “Born in the USA” is now the standard-bearer.

Read more on Salon

But UC has long been a standard-bearer, including in academic and protest freedoms.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backer 
• crusader 
• enthusiast 
• leader 
• upholder www.thesaurus.com