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Courier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'courier'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'courier' originated from the Middle French word 'courrier', which means 'messenger'. It has been used since the 16th century to refer to individuals or services that deliver messages or packages. Couriers have been an essential part of communication and transportation throughout history, providing a reliable and efficient means of delivering important information.

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.