Herald
Spring birds, product launches, and storm clouds all arrive with something that announces them before the main event.
Learn This WordMeaning
To announce or signal the approach of something; a person or thing that announces or foreshadows.
Memory trick
HERALD = "here, old news", the messenger who arrives to announce what’s coming.
Examples
The first buds herald the arrival of spring.
This policy change could herald a new era for remote work.
As a noun: he was a herald of reform in the industry.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French herault, from Frankish *heriwald "army commander," later a royal messenger.
Usage Notes
Works as verb ("heralds change") or noun ("a herald of doom"). Slightly formal and vivid.
Real-life contexts
Use for trends: "This report heralds a shift in consumer behavior."
Use for seasons: "Longer days herald summer."
Use in writing: "The opening scene heralds the tragedy to come."
Common Mistakes
Don’t confuse with "hurtle" (move fast) or "hurdle" (obstacle).
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb/noun
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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