bellwether

[ bel-weth-er ]

noun

1. a wether or other male sheep that leads the flock, usually bearing a bell.
2. a person or thing that assumes the leadership or forefront, as of a profession or industry:

   Paris is a bellwether of the fashion industry.

   Synonyms: trailblazer, front runner, pacesetter, leader

3. a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index.
4. a person who leads a mob, mutiny, conspiracy, or the like; ringleader.

bellwether

/ ˈbɛlˌwɛðə /

noun

1. a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell
2. a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly

Word History and Origins

Origin of bellwether¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; bell ¹, wether

Example Sentences

Walmart, which brings in millions of customers each week, is a bellwether of U.S. consumer trends.

From New York Times

Shares in the company, a bellwether for the economy, gained in premarket trading.

From New York Times

That means there are no bellwether counties left in America; heading into the 2020 election there were nearly 20.

From Los Angeles Times

Here are a few reasons not to buy into it, and instead to embrace the state as a bellwether for the country.

From Los Angeles Times

UCI School of Social Ecology Dean Jon Gould said the close presidential race further cements the county’s position as a bellwether “in terms of where America is and where it’s going.”

From Los Angeles Times