What does harbinger mean?
A harbinger is someone or something that comes before and signals a future person, event, or development. The word often suggests a noticeable sign of something approaching: the first warm day can be a harbinger of spring, while an unusual event may be regarded as a harbinger of political change. In this modern sense, “harbinger” is usually a noun, but it can also be used as a verb, meaning to announce or foreshadow what is coming. Its literary, somewhat elevated register gives it a formal and occasionally ominous atmosphere, although it can be used warmly or positively. The word is especially useful when an early sign is being interpreted not merely as an event in itself but as evidence that something larger is approaching.
A person, sign, or event that announces or foretells something that is about to happen.
"The early flowering of the trees was a clear harbinger of spring."
Common in formal and literary writing. It can describe either a sign of a future development or, historically, an official sent ahead to arrange lodging.
To announce, signal, or foreshadow the approach or arrival of something.
"The declaration harbingered a period of rapid political change."
A formal transitive verb, commonly used with a period, era, development, or event as its object.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Early blossoms are long regarded as harbingers of spring."
A harbinger once meant an advance official who arranged lodging for a noble’s entourage; over time, it came to mean anything that signals what is coming.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of harbinger
The word comes through Old French herbergere, meaning a person who provides or arranges lodging, from a Germanic word associated with shelter or lodging. It originally referred to an official sent ahead to secure accommodation for a traveling noble or royal party. Because such an official announced the approach of the entourage, the word gradually developed its modern sense of a person or sign that foretells an arrival or future event.
How harbinger is actually used
The word is literary and relatively formal. As a noun, it often carries a slightly elevated or ominous tone, although it can also be used positively, as in “a harbinger of spring.” As a verb, it is usually transitive and means to herald or announce something impending.