noun
bellwether
BEL-weth-uhr
Bellwether (noun) means something or someone that signals which way a trend, market or opinion is about to move. Example: “Ohio has long been treated as a bellwether in presidential elections.”
noun
1
Something or someone that signals which way a trend, market or opinion is about to move.
"Ohio has long been treated as a bellwether in presidential elections."
"Housing starts are a bellwether for the wider economy."
2
The leading sheep of a flock, which traditionally wore a bell around its neck.
"The bellwether ambled through the gate and the rest of the flock followed."
adjective
1
Acting as an early indicator of a wider pattern.
"Analysts watch the bellwether stocks for signs of a downturn."
How to use bellwether
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that shows early which way things are going.
When to use it
Common in political and financial writing; slightly formal in everyday speech.
Memory tip
The second half is wether (a sheep), not weather. Nothing to do with rain.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
bellwether state
bellwether stock
bellwether for the industry
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Ohio has long been treated as a _____ in presidential elections.
Etymology
From Middle English, literally a wether (a castrated ram) wearing a bell so the rest of the flock would follow it.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bellwether
See all rhymes for bellwether →Frequently asked questions
Is it bellwether or bellweather?
Bellwether is the only correct spelling. The word comes from a bell-wearing wether, an old term for a castrated ram that led the flock. Bellweather is a very common misspelling caused by the similar sound of weather.
What is the difference between a bellwether and a harbinger?
A bellwether shows the direction a trend is taking, and is usually part of the group it represents, such as a bellwether constituency. A harbinger simply announces that something is coming, often something bad, and need not be part of it.
What is the meaning of bellwether?
"bellwether" (noun) means something or someone that signals which way a trend, market or opinion is about to move.
What is another word for bellwether?
Other words for "bellwether" include indicator, barometer, harbinger, predictor, litmus test.
