harbinger

/ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/noun

Something or someone whose arrival is a sign that another thing is coming.

Example sentences

“Dark clouds on the horizon were a harbinger of the storm to come.”
“The first robins are a welcome harbinger of spring.”

Formal and slightly literary; the fixed phrase is 'harbinger of doom', though spring flowers get called harbingers too. The g is soft: HAR-bin-jer.

Featured as word of the day on May 13, 2026.

Synonyms for harbinger

sign
herald
omen
forerunner
precursor

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

harangueA long, angry, forceful speech, especially one that criticizes or lectures people.hallowedTreated with great respect because of a long history or special importance, almost as if it were holy.hastenTo hurry, or to do something more quickly.hackneyedUsed so often that it has become boring and lost its original effect.haughtyBehaving as if you are better or more important than other people; proud and scornful.guileCleverness used to trick or deceive people.