harbinger Definition
- 1a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another
- 2a forerunner of something
Using harbinger: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harbinger" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The first flowers of spring are often seen as a harbinger of warmer weather to come.
Example
The sudden drop in sales was a harbinger of the company's financial troubles.
Example
The dark clouds on the horizon were a harbinger of the storm to come.
harbinger Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using harbinger
Example
The recent economic downturn is a harbinger of things to come.
Example
The success of their first album was a harbinger of good things to come for the band.
Example
The recent spate of layoffs was a harbinger of bad things to come for the company.
Phrases with harbinger
Example
The sudden resignation of the CEO was seen as a harbinger of doom for the company.
Example
The return of the swallows is a harbinger of spring in many cultures.
Example
The new product line was seen as a harbinger of change for the company.
Origins of harbinger
from Old French 'herbergere', meaning 'lodging place'
Summary: harbinger in Brief
'Harbinger' [ˈhɑːbɪndʒər] refers to a person or thing that signals the approach of another, often used to describe a forerunner of something. It can be a sign of impending disaster or change, as in 'The sudden drop in sales was a harbinger of the company's financial troubles.' 'Harbinger' extends into phrases like 'harbinger of doom,' and idioms like 'a harbinger of things to come,' denoting a sign or indication of what will happen in the future.