standard-bearer

noun

stan·​dard-bear·​er ˈstan-dərd-ˌber-ər 

1

: one who bears a standard or banner

2

: one that leads an organization, movement, or party

a standard-bearer for political reform

Examples of standard-bearer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was a time when Florida’s GOP standard-bearers exercised independent judgment without fear of reprisal from a single individual. —Jim Paladino, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

This weekend, some of the Bay Area’s 21st-century bluegrass standard-bearers, as well as some oh-so–talented musicians from out of town, are headed to The Freight music hall in Berkeley for the Berkeley Bluegrass Festival on Saturday and Sunday. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Naqvi, a poster-boy of late-20th-century globalization, was a notable standard-bearer for this mission. —Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026

They are considered standard-bearers of progressive or liberal politics on their respective continents, where reactionary parties and far-right populism have been on the rise for years. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for standard-bearer

• bearer
• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer
• terror
• wearer
• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer

Kids Definition

standard-bearer

noun

stan·​dard-bear·​er

ˈstan-dərd-ˌbar-ər, 

-ˌber-

1

: one who bears a standard or banner

2

: the leader of an organization or movement