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

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."

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

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 notes

In 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

bellweather harbinger → barometer →

Common pairings

bellwether state bellwether stock bellwether for the industry

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

indicator barometer harbinger predictor litmus test

Related Words

sign index arrow herald dial indicator metric marker

Rhymes for bellwether

ether tether nether Aether whether together altogether

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.

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