Harbinger

usgb/ˈhɑːrbɪndʒər/
noun

A person or thing that announces or signals the coming of another.

Warm summer breezes are seen as a harbinger of seasonal change.
Visual representation of "harbinger" - A person or thing that announces or signals the coming of another.

Often appears as...

  • harbinger of doom
  • harbinger of spring
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "harbinger"
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Often Ominous

Harbinger frequently suggests a negative or foreboding future event, but not always.

Illustration for Often Ominous
The sighting of a lone raven is a harbinger of bad luck.
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Not Always Literal

'Harbinger' can be used metaphorically to represent an early sign of things to come.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
His sudden coldness was a harbinger of the breakup.
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Neutral or Positive

In some contexts, harbinger can signal positive changes or beginnings.

Illustration for Neutral or Positive
Robins are considered a harbinger of spring.
Visual representation of the word "Harbinger"

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