courier
KOOR-ee-er
/ˈkʊriər/
A person or company that transports and delivers messages, packages, or mail.
Often implies a private delivery service (like UPS or DHL) rather than the government-run postal service.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'currere', meaning 'to run.' In ancient times, couriers were literally runners who carried messages between cities. Today, they 'run' in vans and planes.
Word relationships
- messenger: Messenger usually implies someone carrying small documents; courier implies larger parcels.
- recipient: The recipient is the person who receives the package, while the courier delivers it.
Commonly confused with
- carrier: Carrier is often used for the large company (e.g., FedEx), while courier can refer to the specific person delivering it.
Collocations
- courier service
- local courier
- international courier
Example sentences
- "The courier will require a signature upon delivery of the high-value electronics." Delivery notification.
Memory hook
A 'Courier' is someone who 'Carries' your 'Order' to your door. The runner of the modern age.
When not to use
Do not use for the person who brings food to your table in a restaurant (that's a server).
Fun facts
- The Marathon race is named after a famous ancient Greek courier who ran from Marathon to Athens.
Related words
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