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forerunner

noun
fore·​run·​ner | \ ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce forerunner (audio) \

Definition of forerunner

1 : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another: such as
a : a premonitory sign or symptom
b : a skier who runs the course before the start of a race
2 : predecessor, ancestor
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about forerunner

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Choose the Right Synonym for forerunner

forerunner, precursor, harbinger, herald mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another. forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage. the blockade was the forerunner of war precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another. 18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event. their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season the herald of a new age in medicine

Examples of forerunner in a Sentence

a simple machine that was the forerunner of today's computers I had that strange feeling that's the forerunner of a cold.

Recent Examples on the Web

 During the nineteenth century, English thinkers like J.S. Mill and George Grote worked to reimagine tumultuous Athens as a forerunner to the placid, liberal Victorian commonwealth. — Nick Burns, The New Republic, "In Defense of Sparta," 7 Aug. 2019 In 1994, Dobson founded the forerunner to Amherst, and by the early 2000s, Amherst was selling $25 billion a year in MBSs to pension funds and insurers. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, "Meet the A.I. Landlord That’s Building a Single-Family-Home Empire," 21 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forerunner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of forerunner

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for forerunner

forerunner

noun
How to pronounce forerunner (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of forerunner

: someone or something that comes before another
: a sign of something that is going to happen

See the full definition for forerunner in the English Language Learners Dictionary

forerunner

noun
fore·​run·​ner | \ ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce forerunner (audio) \

Kids Definition of forerunner

: someone or something that comes before especially as a sign of the coming of another

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More from Merriam-Webster on forerunner

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with forerunner

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for forerunner

Spanish Central: Translation of forerunner

Nglish: Translation of forerunner for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of forerunner for Arabic Speakers

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