standard-bearer

[ stan-derd-bair-er ]

noun

1. an officer or soldier of an army or military unit who bears a standard.
2. a conspicuous leader of a movement, political party, or the like.

standard-bearer

noun

1. an officer or man who carries a standard
2. a leader of a cause or party

Other Words From

• standard-bearer·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of standard-bearer¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

There is a potential standard-bearer for the tradition shared by RFK, Gary Hart, and even Hunter S. Thompson.

From The Daily Beast

So why, in 2014, is the superhero standard-bearer so minority-averse?

From The Daily Beast

This is the profile of someone who can make it through the primaries and emerge as a standard-bearer for the party.

From The Daily Beast

When was the last time Republicans dared to put forward a standard bearer who rebuked the gun lobby?

From The Daily Beast

The Tea Party standard-bearer with a Hispanic background is already being touted in some circles as presidential material.

From The Daily Beast

Adam struck at the standard-bearer and brought him reeling forward.

From Project Gutenberg

A year earlier Gompers had characterized Taft as "the injunction standard-bearer" and as an impossible candidate.

From Project Gutenberg

But his exclamation was drowned by the mighty cheer which greeted the appearance of the Yale standard-bearer.

From Project Gutenberg

I am in a certain sense made the standard-bearer in behalf of the Republicans.

From Project Gutenberg

Another Burgundian took aim at the Maid's standard-bearer and wounded him in the foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backer
• crusader
• enthusiast
• leader
• upholder