Meaning & Definition of Harbinger in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A forerunner or precursor of something.

  Example Sentence: The blossoms were a harbinger of spring.

• Definition: One that initiates a major change; a pioneer.

  Example Sentence: The new technology is regarded as a harbinger of the digital age.

• Definition: A person sent in advance to provide lodgings.

  Example Sentence: He acted as a harbinger for the visiting dignitaries.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'herbenger', from Old French 'herbergier', from 'herberge' meaning shelter.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• harbinger of doom: An omen indicating disaster or misfortune.
• harbinger of change: Something that signals a transformation or new direction.

Translations

• Spanish: heraldo

• French: précurseur

• German: Vorläufer

• Russian: предвестник

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.