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

Runners could honor the Olympic movement’s past or future while celebrating L.A. and sports before passing the flame to the final torchbearer to light the cauldron.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

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

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

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

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