bearer

UK: /ˈbɛərə^r/ US: /ˈbɛrɚ/ ,(bâr′ər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

bear•er /ˈbɛrɚ/   n. [countable]

1. a person or thing that carries:
   the bearer of bad news.
2. one who presents an order for money or goods:
   Pay to the bearer of this note the sum of one hundred dollars.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

bear•er  (bâr′ər), n. 

1. a person or thing that carries, upholds, or brings:
   dozens of bearers on the safari.
2. the person who presents an order for money or goods:
   Pay to the bearer.
3. Botany a tree or plant that yields fruit or flowers.
4. the holder of rank or office;
   incumbent.
5. pallbearer.
6. British Empire (esp. in India) a native boy or man employed as a personal or household servant.
7. [Print.]
   • Printing furniture (def. 4).
   • Printing one of several strips of metal fitted at the sides of a plate for support during inking and proving.
8. Building a joistlike member supporting the floorboards of a scaffold.
9. Furniture See bearing rail. 

• Middle English berere. See bear¹, -er¹ 1250–1300

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

bearer / ˈbɛərə/ noun

1. a person or thing that bears, presents, or upholds
2. a person who presents a note or bill for payment
3. See pallbearer
4. (modifier) payable to the person in possession: bearer bonds