Search Dictionary
Definition of forerunner

forerunner

/ˈfɔːrˌrʌn.ɚ/
fore · run · ner
Plural:forerunners
JUMP TO:

forerunner Lexical Profile

forerunner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else of a similar kind.

Example

"The mechanical typewriter was an important forerunner of the modern computer keyboard."

2

A sign, warning, or portent of something to come; an early indicator.

Example

"A sudden drop in barometric pressure is often the forerunner of a severe coastal storm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for forerunner
Antonyms
View all antonyms for forerunner

• Nearby Words

foreperson
foreplay
forequarter
forerunner
foresee
foreseeable
foreseeably

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as 'forerennere', a literal loan-translation (calque) of the Ecclesiastical Latin 'praecursor' ('one who runs before'), originally used in biblical translations to refer to John the Baptist as the herald of Christ.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forerunner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forerunner
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.