herald

[ˈhɛrəld]

herald Definition

• 1. an official messenger bringing news, especially one from a heraldic authority with official rank and status
• 2. a sign that something is going to happen soon
• 3. to announce or signal the arrival of something

Using herald: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "herald" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The herald announced the arrival of the king.

• Example

  The first snow is often seen as a herald of winter.

• Example

  The new year heralds a fresh start for many people.

• Example

  The sound of the bell heralded the end of the match.

herald Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for herald

• messenger
• proclaimer
• announcer
• harbinger
• forerunner

Antonyms for herald

• follower
• imitator

Idioms Using herald

• be heralded as

  to be praised or celebrated as something

  Example

  The new product was heralded as a breakthrough in technology.

• herald of doom

  a sign or omen that something bad is going to happen

  Example

  The dark clouds were seen as a herald of doom for the farmers.

• herald of things to come

  a sign that something is going to happen in the future

  Example

  The success of their first album was a herald of things to come for the band.

Phrases with herald

• herald of free enterprise

  a passenger ferry that capsized moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on the night of 6 March 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew

  Example

  The disaster of the Herald of Free Enterprise led to significant changes in safety regulations for ferries.

• herald angels

  angels who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds in Bethlehem

  Example

  The herald angels sang 'Glory to the newborn King!'

• herald of spring

  a plant or animal that is seen as a sign that spring has arrived

  Example

  The crocus is often considered the herald of spring.

Origins of herald

from Old French 'heraut', meaning 'messenger'

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Summary: herald in Brief

The term 'herald' [ˈhɛrəld] refers to an official messenger bringing news, a sign that something is going to happen soon, or to announce or signal the arrival of something. It can be used as both a noun and a verb. Examples include 'The herald announced the arrival of the king,' and 'The new year heralds a fresh start for many people.' 'Herald' extends into phrases like 'herald of free enterprise,' and idioms like 'be heralded as,' denoting praise or celebration, and 'herald of doom,' implying a bad omen.