herald: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “herald” mean?
To be a sign that something important or significant is about to happen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be a sign that something important or significant is about to happen; to announce or signal the arrival of something.
To publicly praise or welcome something/someone; to act as an official messenger or announcer (historical). Also, a person or thing viewed as a sign of things to come.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The historical/heraldic sense might be slightly more salient in UK contexts due to tradition.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are formal and often positive (signalling something good), but can be neutral or negative (e.g., herald disaster).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in formal/literary contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “herald” in a Sentence
[Verb] herald + noun/noun phrase (the arrival, a new era)[Noun] herald + of + noun (herald of spring, herald of doom)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herald” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cuckoo's call heralds the British summer.
- The agreement could herald a period of closer cooperation.
American English
- The treaty heralded a new age of diplomacy.
- These economic figures may herald a recession.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The heraldic symbols on the shield were meticulously recorded.
- He had a role in the herald's office.
American English
- The college's heraldic crest is displayed in the library.
- Heraldic traditions vary across Europe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
‘The merger is heralded as a new chapter for the industry.’ Used in press releases and reports to frame significant developments.
Academic
‘Darwin's work heralded a paradigm shift in biological thought.’ Used in historical or analytical writing to mark turning points.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used in weather context: ‘The first snowdrops herald the end of winter.’
Technical
In computing, a ‘herald process’ might signal the start of a system event. In heraldry, refers to the design and study of coats of arms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herald”
- Using it for trivial announcements (e.g., ‘He heralded that he was going to the shop’).
- Confusing ‘herald’ (verb/noun) with ‘heraldic’ (adjective).
- Incorrect preposition: ‘herald for’ instead of ‘herald of’.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral, but context-dependent. It can herald good news (a breakthrough) or bad news (disaster). It always implies significance.
'Herald' is more formal and figurative, focusing on being a sign of something momentous to come. 'Announce' is more general and direct, simply stating facts or news.
Yes. It can mean 1) an official messenger (historical), 2) a person or thing that signals the approach of something (e.g., 'The cuckoo is a herald of spring').
Very close, especially as a noun. However, 'harbinger' has a slightly stronger association with omens (often negative), while 'herald' is more neutral and can be an official role.
To be a sign that something important or significant is about to happen.
Herald is usually formal, literary in register.
Herald: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛrəld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛrəld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Herald of doom/gloom (a person who predicts bad events)”
- “Sound the herald's trumpet (to make a bold announcement – archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a medieval HERALD blowing a loud trumpet (HER-ALD) to ANNOUNCE the arrival of the king. The sound HERALDS his coming.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE TRUMPET BLASTS / THE FUTURE IS AN APPROACHING ENTITY (heralded by messengers)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'herald' LEAST appropriate?