Harbinger

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈhɑː(ɹ).bɪn.dÊ’É™(ɹ)/
• US enPR: härʹbÄ­njÉ™r, IPA: /ˈhɑːɹbɪndÊ’Éš/

Origin

Originally, a person that is sent in advance to provide lodgings. From Middle English herbergeour, from Old French herbergeor ( >

French hébergeur, from héberger ("to accommodate, put up"), from Frankish *heriberga ("lodging, inn", literally army shelter), from Proto-Germanic *harjaz ("army") + *bergô ("protection"). Compare German Herberge, Italian albergo, Dutch herberg, English harbour. More at here, borrow.

Full definition of harbinger

Noun

1. A person or thing that foreshadows or foretells the coming of someone or something.
• LandorI knew by these harbingers who were coming.
2. (obsolete) One who provides lodgings; especially, the officer of the English royal household who formerly preceded the court when travelling, to provide and prepare lodgings.

Synonyms

• forewarning, herald, omen, premonition, sign, signal, prophet

Verb

1. (transitive) To announce; to be a harbinger of.

Synonyms

• herald