torchbearer
Americannoun
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a person who carries a torch.
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a leader in a movement, campaign, etc..
a torchbearer of democracy.
noun
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a person or thing that carries a torch
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a person who leads or inspires
Etymology
Origin of torchbearer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
For the rest of the world, the Colombian-born superstar became the torchbearer for a globally-minded groove, which transcended nation and language in songs like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 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
"What would you have me do?" asked the torchbearer, a stout man in a leather half cape.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
