Herald
ˈhɛrəld
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or thing that announces or signals important news or events.
ˈhɛrəld
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something.
The sunrise was a herald of a beautiful day.
💡 Simply: A herald is like a messenger who tells everyone about something big that's happening. Like, the first flowers blooming are a herald of spring!
👶 For kids: A herald is someone who tells everyone important news.
More Examples
The swallows returning were a herald of summer.
How It's Used
"The herald announced the arrival of the king."
"The robin is often seen as a herald of spring."
To announce or proclaim (something) often as a sign of its approach.
ˈhɛrəld
To announce or signal the approach of something.
The new discoveries in science heralded a new era of medical advancements.
💡 Simply: To herald means to announce or to be a sign of something about to happen. Imagine a loud drum roll to herald a play starting!
👶 For kids: To herald means to announce something is coming.
More Examples
The bright lights of the city heralded our arrival home.
How It's Used
"The fanfare heralded the arrival of the president."
"The storm heralded the end of summer."
Idioms & expressions
herald of doom
A person or thing that warns of a negative event or outcome.
"The economic downturn was seen by some as a herald of doom."
From Old French *heraut* (a crier, messenger), ultimately from a Germanic source, perhaps related to words meaning 'army' or 'power'.
Historically, the word referred to an official messenger, particularly in the medieval period, often involved in ceremonial announcements.
Memory tip
Think of a town crier, shouting out important news.
Word Origin
"crier, messenger"