noun
forerunner
Forerunner (noun) means a runner at the front or ahead.
noun
1
A runner at the front or ahead.
2
By extension, a non-competitor who leads out the competitors on to the circuit, or who runs/rides the course prior to competitor trials, usually testing or checking the way.
3
A precursor or harbinger, a warning ahead.
4
A forebear, an ancestor, a predecessor.
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Etymology
From Middle English forrenner, foreriner. Calque of Latin praecursor (“one who runs before, a forerunner”). Equivalent to fore- + runner and/or forerun + -er.
Rhymes for forerunner
See all rhymes for forerunner →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of forerunner?
"forerunner" (noun) means a runner at the front or ahead.
What are the different meanings of forerunner?
"forerunner" has 3 main meanings: 1. A runner at the front or ahead; 2. By extension, a non-competitor who leads out the competitors on to the circuit, or who runs/rides the course prior to competitor trials, usually testing or checking the way; 3. A precursor or harbinger, a warning ahead.