YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

bellwether

Noun

IPA /ˈbelweðə(r)/

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Meaning in plain English

Something that gives an early indication of a wider trend or future development.

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Pronunciation

bellwether/ˈbelweðə(r)/

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Follow the idea

One shop's sales change first
Similar shops later follow the trend

A bellwether gives an early indication of a wider change or trend.

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Examples in context

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My sister's reading choices are a bellwether of trends in our book club.
The report treats demand for training as a bellwether of changing workplace needs.

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My sister's reading choices are a ________ of trends in our book club.

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bellwether — Something that gives an early indication of a wider trend or future development.

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Something that gives an early indication of a wider trend or future development.

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Word origin

Originally a sheep leading a flock while wearing a bell, from bell and wether.

Did you know?

A bellwether of change is an early sign that a broader change may follow.

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