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Dictionary definition of harbinger

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something, or serves as a warning or indication of something to come.
"The early snowfall was a harbinger of a harsh winter to come."

Detailed meaning of harbinger

It serves as an early sign or warning of what is to come, often carrying a sense of anticipation or expectation. Harbingers can manifest in various forms, such as an unusual weather pattern preceding a storm, a particular behavior observed before a major societal shift, or an innovative technology signaling a revolution in a specific industry. They possess a certain prophetic quality, drawing attention to the impending developments and setting the stage for what lies ahead. While harbinger's significance lies in its ability to forecast change, its true nature may remain elusive until the subsequent events unfold, leaving observers to decipher the clues it presents.

Example sentences of harbinger

1. She saw the dark clouds as a harbinger of an impending storm.
2. He took the stock market drop as a harbinger of a recession.
3. The sudden silence was a harbinger of danger.
4. She saw the first signs of spring as a harbinger of new beginnings.
5. Every ending is the harbinger of a new beginning.
6. He took the increase in crime as a harbinger of social unrest.

History and etymology of harbinger

The noun 'harbinger' has its etymological origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word 'herebodere,' which is a combination of 'here' (army) and 'bodere' (messenger or announcer). In its original sense, a 'harbinger' was a person who served as a messenger or announcer for an army, often tasked with preparing the way and signaling the approach of the troops. Over time, the term expanded its meaning to describe anything that announces or signals the approach of something, or serves as a warning or indication of something to come. When we refer to a 'harbinger,' we are typically talking about a precursor or an early sign that foreshadows a future event. The etymology of 'harbinger' reflects its historical connection to the role of messengers in armies and its evolution into a broader concept of signaling or announcing future developments.

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Further usage examples of harbinger

1. The rise of extremist groups was a harbinger of political instability.
2. She saw the increase in temperature as a harbinger of a heatwave.
3. He took the increase in unemployment as a harbinger of a economic downturn.
4. The growing number of refugees was a harbinger of political turmoil in the region.
5. She saw the early arrival of migratory birds as a harbinger of a mild winter.
6. Dark clouds gathering on the horizon served as a harbinger of the impending storm.
7. The return of cherry blossoms is seen as a harbinger of spring's arrival.
8. A sudden drop in consumer spending can be a harbinger of economic trouble.
9. The arrival of migratory birds acts as a harbinger of changing seasons.
10. Her cryptic message was a harbinger of unsettling events to come.
11. Superstition considers a black cat a harbinger of bad luck.
12. The CEO's resignation was a harbinger of corporate upheaval.
13. A persistent cough can be a harbinger of underlying health issues.
14. The eerie silence in the haunted house was a harbinger of paranormal activity.
15. The first snowflake's descent marked the harbinger of winter's embrace.
16. The crow's cawing is often seen as a harbinger of change.
17. A sharp decline in sales can be a harbinger of financial hardship for a business.
18. The strange lights in the sky were considered a harbinger of extraterrestrial visitors.
19. A single crack in the dam acted as a harbinger of impending disaster.
20. A sudden spike in crime rates can be a harbinger of social unrest.
21. The mysterious disappearance of the hiker was a harbinger of a larger mystery.
22. The early blooming flowers serve as a harbinger of an early spring.
23. The teacher's stern look was a harbinger of an impending pop quiz.
24. The persistent honking of car horns was a harbinger of rush hour traffic.