messenger
UK: ˈmesɪndʒə | US: ˈmesɪndʒər
n. a person who carries a message or performs deliveries
n. (historical) a courier or official dispatch carrier
n. (technology) a system or application for transmitting digital messages
The word "messenger" originates from Middle English messanger, derived from Old French messagier (meaning "one who carries a message"). It combines the root mess- (from Latin missus, meaning "sent" or "message") with the agentive suffix -eng- (later simplified to -er), indicating a person who performs an action. The term evolved to emphasize the role of message-bearing, retaining its core function across centuries.
The messenger delivered the urgent letter to the king.
In ancient times, messengers traveled by horseback to relay news.
She works as a messenger for a courier service in the city.
The app acts as a secure messenger for confidential communications.
Pigeons were once trained as messengers during wars.