Word
bellwether
Phoneticsbell·wether
US/ˈbɛɫˌwɛðɝ/
UK/bˈɛlwɛðɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that shows what will happen in the future or what the current trend is. It is often used to describe a small group or area that represents how a larger group will act or vote.
n. an indicator or predictor of future trends, especially in politics or economics. Refers to a leading entity whose performance or behaviour is seen as representative of a larger population.
Examples
“This city is a bellwether for the upcoming national election.”
“Analysts often look at the sales of this specific tech company as a bellwether for the health of the entire global economy.”
“The suburban county has long served as a political bellwether, with its voting patterns accurately reflecting the eventual outcome of every presidential race for the last forty years.”
Examples
simple
“This city is a bellwether for the upcoming national election.”
contextual
“Analysts often look at the sales of this specific tech company as a bellwether for the health of the entire global economy.”
complex
“The suburban county has long served as a political bellwether, with its voting patterns accurately reflecting the eventual outcome of every presidential race for the last forty years.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically in financial and political journalism.
Real-World Examples
“They have been polling neck and neck and the election's outcome is considered a bellwether for the future of Republican power.” “KGM’s case is also the first of more than 20 “bellwether” trials, which are slated to go to court over the next couple of years and are used to gauge juries’ reactions as well as set legal precedent.” “So-called bellwether trials are used to test legal theories and help gauge the value of claims for possible settlements.” “The company is a bellwether for the business of artificial intelligence (AI), both in its cutting-edge hardware and the new regulatory headwinds it is facing, and investors are watching closely.” Etymology
From Middle English belwether, belleweder, equivalent to bell + wether ("castrated ram").
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Idioms
01. bellwether state
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bellwether