BELLWETHER Definition & Meaning

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bellwether

[ bel-weth-er ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a wether or other male sheep that leads the flock, usually bearing a bell.
a person or thing that assumes the leadership or forefront, as of a profession or industry:
Paris is a bellwether of the fashion industry.
Synonyms: , , ,
a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index.
a person who leads a mob, mutiny, conspiracy, or the like; ringleader.

bellwether

/ ˈ��ɛ��ˌ��ɛðə /

noun

a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell
a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of bellwether¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; bell ¹, wether

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In a new book, pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Adam Ratner details the history of measles, a virus that’s often a bellwether for public health disasters.

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Hermits retreat from society regardless of political bellwethers.

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The situation on the border is the biggest bellwether of the relationship.

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“I like to call Devils Hole kind of a canary in the coal mine or a bellwether,” Wilson said.

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Walmart, which brings in millions of customers each week, is a bellwether of U.S. consumer trends.

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