flag-bearer

plural flag-bearers · alternative flagbearer · alternative flag bearer

1. One who carries a flag, especially at a ceremony.

   Abramenko, a top aerialist in freestyle skiing, a five-time Olympian and the country’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, garnered more attention after the event, when a photograph of his hug with a Russian rival was widely circulated.

   2022 March 4, John Branch, “He Won an Olympic Silver for Ukraine. Now He’s Hiding in a Kyiv Garage.”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: flag carrier, standard-bearer

2. One who openly promotes an idea or value and becomes symbolic for it.

   The Guardian’s editor, Alan Rusbridger, has been a flag-bearer for “open journalism”, which invites input from readers.

   2012 September 22, “The Guardian's future: unguarded”, in The Economist

   Synonyms: flag carrier, standard-bearer