courier
UK: ˈkʊr.i.ər | US: ˈkʊr.i.ər
n. a person or company employed to deliver messages, packages, or mail quickly
n. (historical) a messenger, especially one on official diplomatic business
The word courier traces back to Latin currere (to run), reflecting the speed of messengers. It entered English via Old French coureur (runner), later adopting the -ier suffix to specify the role. The term originally described fast-moving diplomatic or military messengers, later expanding to commercial delivery services.
The courier delivered the urgent documents before noon.
She works as a bike courier in the city center.
Ancient empires relied on couriers to relay messages across vast distances.
The company hired a courier service to ship the fragile package.
Diplomatic couriers carry sensitive materials under strict security.