Meaning & Definition of word "Harbinger"
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Harbinger
/ˈhɑːr.bɪn.dʒər/
noun:
- 1. A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.
- Example: The blooming flowers are a harbinger of spring.
- 2. A forerunner of something.
- Example: The dark clouds were a harbinger of the storm to come.
- 3. An omen or sign of events yet to occur.
- Example: The sudden drop in temperature is often a harbinger of winter.
Etymology
Middle English 'herbenger', from Old French 'herbergier', from 'herberge' meaning shelter.
Common Phrases and Expressions
harbinger of doom:
An omen indicating disaster or misfortune.
harbinger of change:
Something that signals a transformation or new direction.
Related Words
forewarning:
An indication or warning of a future event.
omen:
A phenomenon that is thought to foretell the future.
Slang Meanings of harbinger
Meaning: Game-changer
Example Sentence: That new policy is a real harbinger for how we do business.
Meaning: Sign of things to come
Example Sentence: The trailer was a harbinger for the movie's success.