carrier

word

/ˈkæɹiɝ/
KA-ree-ur
/kˈæɹɪɐ/
KA-ree-uh

Definition

A carrier is a person, company, or thing that carries or transports something from one place to another. It can also mean a company that provides phone service, or a person/animal that has a disease without showing symptoms.

Usage & Nuances

Very context-dependent. Common uses include shipping ('a freight carrier'), telecom ('my mobile carrier'), health ('a carrier of the virus'), and objects that hold things ('an aircraft carrier', 'baby carrier'). Learners often confuse it with only phone companies, but the broader idea is 'something that carries'.

Example Sentences

The carrier delivered the package this morning.

basic

I need to call my mobile carrier about my bill.

basic

Some mosquitoes can be a carrier of disease.

basic

The carrier lost our luggage, so we had to buy new clothes.

natural

Which carrier are you with now? Mine raised prices again.

natural

He’s a carrier of the gene, but he doesn’t have the condition himself.

natural