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harbingera person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɑːrbɪndʒər/

Example Sentences

  • The CEO's sudden resignation was seen as a harbinger of the company's financial troubles.
  • My cat hiding under the bed is always a reliable harbinger of thunderstorms.
  • The blooming cherry blossoms served as harbingers of warmer weather ahead.

harbinger

NOUN

[/ˈhɑːrbɪndʒər/]

a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

The lone crow on the castle gate was a harbinger of the coming war.
💡 Concept

The lone crow on the castle gate was a harbinger of the coming war.

Harbor binger announces ships approaching - the ultimate harbinger!
🧠 Mnemonic

Harbor binger announces ships approaching - the ultimate harbinger!

The harbinger messenger warns the last passenger
🎵 Rhyme

The harbinger messenger warns the last passenger

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈhɑːrbɪndʒər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/

🌳Etymology

Rootharbinger

Origin

From Middle English herbenger, derived from Old French herbergere (to lodge or provide shelter), which comes from herberge (lodging). The word originally referred to someone who arranged lodging for travelers or armies.

Breakdown

her- (army/host, from Germanic) + -berge (shelter/lodging, from Germanic) + -er (one who does) = harbinger (one who announces/prepares the way)

🎵Rhyme

scavengerpassengermessenger
scavenger
passenger
messenger

🔗Collocations

harbinger of change
harbinger of doom
harbinger of spring
serve as a harbinger
early harbinger
unwelcome harbinger

📝Examples

The CEO's sudden resignation was seen as a harbinger of the company's financial troubles.

😄 Fun example

My cat hiding under the bed is always a reliable harbinger of thunderstorms.

The blooming cherry blossoms served as harbingers of warmer weather ahead.

😄 Fun example

When my teenager starts cleaning their room voluntarily, it's a harbinger that they want something expensive.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

heraldprecursorforerunneromenportent

Antonyms

followeraftermath

Related

messengerprophetpredictorindicatorsign

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