harbinger

[ hahr-bin-jer ]

noun

1. a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
2. anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign:

   Frost is a harbinger of winter.

   Synonyms: indication, portent, precursor, forerunner, herald

3. a person sent in advance of troops, a royal train, etc., to provide or secure lodgings and other accommodations.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as harbinger to; herald the coming of.

harbinger

/ ˈhɑːbɪndʒə /

noun

1. a person or thing that announces or indicates the approach of something; forerunner
2. obsolete.
   a person sent in advance of a royal party or army to obtain lodgings for them

verb

1. tr to announce the approach or arrival of

Word History and Origins

Origin of harbinger¹

First recorded in 1125–75; late Middle English herbenger, nasalized variant of Middle English herbegere, dissimilated variant of Old French herberg(i)ere “host,” equivalent to herberg(ier) “to shelter” (from Germanic; harbor ) + -iere -er ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of harbinger¹

C12: from Old French herbergere, from herberge lodging, from Old Saxon heriberga; compare Old High German heriberga army shelter; see harry , borough

Example Sentences

Her failure to clearly distinguish herself from the president's policies and establish herself as a harbinger of change, all but set up Trump's likely sweep of the national popular vote.

From Salon

As an undergraduate, he toured with rap superstar Snoop Dogg, a reflection of Washington’s immense musical talent and a harbinger of good things to come.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is exceedingly unlikely that this ruling will affect the outcome of any federal races in Virginia. That said, it’s a rather ominous harbinger of the Court’s willingness not only to intervene in at least some election cases, but to do so without explaining its reasons why," Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor and CNN contributor, wrote in an X post.

From Salon

“It’s poignant to think about how much his presence crystallized something that was in motion and that would emerge more clearly across the 1980s, which was the political and cultural presence of Latinos in this city. He was the harbinger of that,” said Martinez.

From Los Angeles Times

Lancaster County should be seen as a harbinger of sorts, he suggested.

From Salon

Related Words

• omen
• portent
• precursor