Definition

A person or thing that leads or indicates trends or future developments.

Example

The new technology is seen as a bellwether for the future of the industry.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new trend in fashion this season?

Yeah, it's all about bold colors and patterns, right?

Exactly! I think it's a real bellwether for what we'll see in the coming years.

Totally! Trends like this often lead to bigger changes in style.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Bellwether** → The word is formed from "bell" (from Old English *belle*, meaning a ringing instrument) and "wether" (from Old English *wether*, meaning a male sheep). A bellwether originally referred to a male sheep that wore a bell, leading the flock, and has come to mean a leader or an indicator of trends.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sheep wearing a bell, leading the flock — that's why a bellwether is someone or something that leads or indicates trends.

Visually Confused Words