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 Word Forms

• standard-bearership noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of standard-bearer¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

But UC has long been a standard-bearer, including in academic and protest freedoms.

From Los Angeles Times

A Catholic herself and standard-bearer of Europe's populist right, she is politically aligned with the US administration and shares their belief in taking a tough stance on migration.

From BBC

Playing video games, of which Rice is said to be the squad standard-bearer, remains a popular pastime.

From BBC

Bayrou has run for the presidency three times, as standard-bearer of the centre.

From BBC

The move is the latest in the governor’s highly visible effort to shield California from the second edition of the Trump presidency, which has elicited predictable fury from the Republican standard-bearer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backer 
• crusader 
• enthusiast 
• leader 
• upholder www.thesaurus.com