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

Example Sentences

Wednesday's report from Nvidia -- one of the torchbearers of the AI revolution -- was therefore seen as a bellwether on the industry.

From Barron's

Twenty years ago, Grizzly Bear emerged as unlikely torchbearers of the early-aughts indie rock boom, a moment when the genre still felt like a testing ground for young adulthood.

From Los Angeles Times

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

In this vision, an Olympic torchbearer makes their way into a studio building — could be a lot, could be CAA or somewhere corporate.

From Los Angeles Times

He started his games with an integral role: he was among the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame before the game's opening ceremony last week.

From BBC