herald
herald Lexical Profile
herald Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person or thing viewed as a sign that something important is about to happen; a forerunner or harbinger.
"The blooming of the crocuses is often seen as an early herald of spring."
An official messenger or envoy who brings news, proclaims royal decrees, or oversees matters of armorial bearings and genealogy.
"In medieval courts, the royal herald would step forward to read the monarch's proclamation to the assembled crowd."
• verb
To be a sign that something important or new is about to happen; to usher in.
"The invention of the printing press heralded a new era of mass communication and literacy."
To proclaim, announce, or acclaim publicly and enthusiastically.
"Critics heralded the young director's debut film as a masterpiece of modern cinema."
• Rhymes for herald
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'heraut', of Frankish or Germanic origin (compare Proto-Germanic '*harjawaldaz', literally 'army ruler' or 'commander'), composed of the roots for 'army' and 'to rule or wield power'.