English · Word Candidate

usher

/ˈʌʃəɹ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: ushers · ushering · ushered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person, in a church, cinema etc., who escorts people to their seats.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A male escort at a wedding.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To guide people to their seats.

Verb

Examples

Her entrance into church on Sunday is always the signal for a little bustle in the side aisle, occasioned by a general rise among the poor people, who bow and curtsey until the pew-opener has ushered the old lady into her accustomed seat, dropped a respectful curtsey, and shut the door;

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To accompany or escort (someone).

Verb

Examples

[N]ay he can ſing / A meane moſt meanely, and in huſhering, / Mende him who can[.]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “usher” mean?

A person, in a church, cinema etc., who escorts people to their seats.

Is “usher” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.