Meaning & use
bellwether
Last updated
Something that indicates or leads a trend; an early sign of what is to come.
See it in a sentence
This swing state has long been considered a bellwether in national elections.
Tech earnings are often seen as a bellwether for the broader economy.
A note on using this word
Originally referred to the lead sheep of a flock, which wore a bell so shepherds could track the group's movement.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bellwether”, then compare your use with the examples above.