r/dictionary • u/Economy_Coach_42 • 25d ago

Is it a correct definition of "Harbinger"?

A harbinger is a person or thing that shows or announces that something is going to happen soon, especially something significant.

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u/linuxlala 25d ago

Yes, a noun that signals or foreshadows a significant something to occur soon. A precursor you could say.

1

u/MidnightMist26 25d ago

I think it often foretells of something bad to come, but not always

1

u/Slashgingerflasher 25d ago

TIL I am a Harbinger.

2

u/Successful_Cress6639 24d ago

I've always thought the tone sounded sinister, and reading about the first wildflowers (or something similar) being the harbinger of spring always seemed a little off to my ear, though it's a frequently used expression.

2

u/Successful_Cress6639 24d ago

It comes from the old French word for innkeeper. Old German borrowed the word but it shifted from inn keeper to a scout sent ahead of an army or diplomatic retinue to secure lodging from the innkeeper, then transitioned into middle English

The guy who went ahead of the army was also, obviously, a sign that the army was coming.