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harbinger

/ˈhɑrbəndʒər/
/ˈhɑbɪndʒə/
IPA guide

Other forms: harbingers; harbingered; harbingering

A harbinger is something that comes before and that shows what will follow in the future. The robin is a harbinger of spring — its presence means spring is coming soon.

The appearance of a ghost is often thought of as a harbinger of death. Middle English herbergere is from Old French herbergeor, "host," from herberge, "camp, shelter," a word ultimately borrowed from a Germanic language.

Definitions of harbinger
  1. noun
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
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    types:
    bellwether
    a predictor or indicator of future trends
    type of:
    indicant, indication
    something that serves to indicate or suggest
  2. verb
    foreshadow or presage
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    type of:
    tell
    let something be known
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