noun
courier
KOOR-ee-er/ˈkʊriər/
A person or service that delivers messages or packages.
The bicycle courier hands the parcel to its recipient at the door.
Etymology
The old word could mean either a fast-running horse or a messenger or scout. These meanings connect the modern carrier of messages and packages with the earlier emphasis on swift movement.
In context
when your shipment is in transit it means the courier company picked the parcel up and your shipment is on its way to the delivery address
More examples
- We sent the contract by courier.
- Several couriers waited outside the office.
- The courier arrived earlier than expected.
Forms
courier · couriers
Similar words
- messenger
- Emphasizes carrying messages rather than packages.
- carrier
- Carrier emphasizes transportation rather than personal delivery of messages or parcels.