Standard Lemma guide

torchbearer

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A person who carries a torch (flaming brand).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: lampadephore, mussaul, mussaulchee

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The leader of a campaign, or one who gives inspiration to others.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

One who carries on a movement or organization from someone else.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • The Roman Empire could be considered the torchbearer of Ancient Greek knowledge and wisdom.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

a leader in a campaign or movement

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: leader

History

Etymology

From torch + bearer.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 火炬手 (huǒjùshǒu) — one who carries a torch
  • Finnish: soihdunkantaja — one who carries a torch
  • French: porte-flambeau — one who carries a torch
  • French: porte-torche — one who carries a torch
  • Ido: torchiero — one who carries a torch
  • Macedonian: факло́носец (faklónosec) — one who carries a torch
  • Polish: osoba niosąca pochodnię — one who carries a torch
  • Russian: факелоно́сец (fakelonósec) — one who carries a torch
  • Russian: фа́кельщик (fákelʹščik) — one who carries a torch