Harbinger — Meaning, Definition, & Examples | SAT Vocabulary
A harbinger of things to come. Sounds ominous, no? Is it always, though? Read on to find out!
📣 TL;DR: Harbinger means something that signals or announces what’s coming next. Mnemonic to help remember: A HARBINGER “brings ‘er [brings her]” news of what’s coming.
ℹ️ Part of Speech of Harbinger
harbinger is a NOUN.
🗣️ Pronunciation of Harbinger
IPA: /ˈhɑr.bɪn.dʒər/ (See IPA key)
Respelling: HAR-bin-jer
📚️ Definition of Harbinger
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another person, event, or thing; a forerunner or herald that indicates something is about to happen. Example: a harbinger of better days ahead.
📰 Examples of Harbinger
Here are some examples of the word harbinger:
In retrospect, it should have been clear that dark clouds were a harbinger of the thunderstorm that ruined our picnic.
[Modern doctors] have not more notes in their song than the cuckoo, though, far from the softness of that harbinger of summer and plenty, their voice is as harsh and as ominous as that of the raven. - Edmund Burke (1790)
✍️ Quiz Yourself
Which of the following would most accurately be described as a harbinger?
A) The first fallen leaves of fall
B) An athletic trophy displayed in a glass cabinet
C) A map showing previous weather patterns
D) A diary entry detailing an eventful trip
Enter your answer below. I will post feedback later.
Thanks for reading and learning!
Yes, definitely A--autumn leaves are one of the signs of fall, and then winter.