Courier: meaning, definitions and examples

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courier

[ˈkʊr.i.ər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

delivery service

A person or company that delivers messages, packages, or mail. Couriers are often used for fast and reliable delivery services.

Synonyms

carrier, delivery person, messenger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
courier	Use when referring to a professional service that typically delivers urgent or important packages or documents. I sent the legal documents via courier to ensure they arrive on time. The courier service guarantees delivery within 24 hours.
messenger	Typically refers to someone who delivers messages or documents, often used in formal or historical contexts. In ancient times, a messenger was sent to convey important news. He works as a bike messenger in the city, delivering documents promptly.
delivery person	Best used when referring to an individual person who delivers packages, especially in a casual or everyday context. The delivery person left the package at my doorstep. I thanked the delivery person for bringing my groceries so quickly.
carrier	Appropriate for referring to a company or an agency that transports goods or people over long distances. The carrier lost my luggage during the flight. We chose a reputable carrier to ship our products internationally.

Examples of usage

The courier delivered the package within 24 hours.
I need to send this document urgently, can you call a courier?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In the past, a person who would carry important messages or documents over long distances. Couriers played a crucial role in communication before the invention of modern technology.

Synonyms

dispatcher, messenger, runner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
courier	Use this term when referring to a service or person responsible for delivering packages and documents, often professionally and over longer distances. The courier delivered the package to my office on time. She works as a courier for an international logistics company.
messenger	Typically denotes someone who delivers messages, letters, or documents, and is often used in formal or historical contexts. He worked as a messenger for the court in medieval times. The messenger handed her an important letter.
runner	Refers to someone who runs errands or makes deliveries, often used informally or in specific contexts like sports or trading. The office runner delivered the files to each department. Back in the day, traders used runners to deliver stock exchange orders.

Word

Description / Examples

courier

Use this term when referring to a service or person responsible for delivering packages and documents, often professionally and over longer distances.

The courier delivered the package to my office on time.
She works as a courier for an international logistics company.

messenger

Typically denotes someone who delivers messages, letters, or documents, and is often used in formal or historical contexts.

He worked as a messenger for the court in medieval times.
The messenger handed her an important letter.

runner

Refers to someone who runs errands or makes deliveries, often used informally or in specific contexts like sports or trading.

The office runner delivered the files to each department.
Back in the day, traders used runners to deliver stock exchange orders.

Examples of usage

During wartime, couriers were used to deliver secret messages.
The courier rode on horseback to deliver the message to the next town.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'courier' comes from the Latin 'currere', meaning 'to run', highlighting the speed at which they deliver.
Initially, couriers were mounted messengers, often on horseback, used by kings and governments in ancient times.

History

In ancient Rome, the state employed couriers to deliver important messages across vast distances, ensuring communication among leaders.
During the 19th century, services such as the Pony Express became iconic for their fast delivery of mail across the American West.

Technology

With the rise of the internet, many courier services now use technology for tracking deliveries in real-time, enhancing efficiency.
Drones are emerging as a modern solution for couriers to deliver items in hard-to-reach areas.

Pop Culture

The classic film 'The Postman' revolves around a courier bringing hope and communication during a post-apocalyptic time.
In the popular video game 'Hitman', the protagonist uses various disguises, including a courier, to complete missions.

Economics

Courier services play a critical role in the global economy, facilitating commerce by expediting the shipping of goods.
The surge in online shopping has propelled the growth of courier services, making them essential for modern business models.

Translations

Translations of the word "courier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mensageiro

🇮🇳 कूरियर

🇩🇪 Kurier

🇮🇩 kurir

🇺🇦 кур'єр

🇵🇱 kurier

🇯🇵 宅配便

🇫🇷 courrier

🇪🇸 mensajero

🇹🇷 kurye

🇰🇷 택배

🇸🇦 ساعي

🇨🇿 kurýr

🇸🇰 kuriér

🇨🇳 快递员

🇸🇮 kurir

🇮🇸 sendiboði

🇰🇿 курьер

🇬🇪 კურიერი

🇦🇿 kuryer

🇲🇽 mensajero

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,649, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15646 inject
15647 refrigerated
15648 soothe
15649 courier
15650 marred
15651 serpentine
15652 reinstate
...