noun / verb
herald
HAIR-uld/ˈherəld/
A messenger announcing an important arrival or event.
A blooming crocus serves as a herald of spring.
Etymology
A herald was a messenger or envoy, and the verb first meant “to sound the praises of.” Announcing an important arrival extends that public messenger role to anything that signals what is coming.
In context
to impress with their beauty. The first to emerge from under the snow, colorful crocuses, which soon carpet the ground. Dainty snowdrops push their way through the white blanket. They herald the arrival of spring.
More examples
- The heralds carry news of the peace treaty from town to town.
- Church bells herald the start of the festival.
- The first buds are a herald of spring.
Forms
herald · heralds · heralded · heralding
Similar words
- messenger
- Carries messages generally, without necessarily making important public announcements.
- announcer
- Presents information publicly, often at events or on broadcasts.