bellwether

American  

[bel-weth-er] / ˈbɛlˌwɛð ər /

noun

1. a wether or other male sheep that leads the flock, usually bearing a bell.

2. a person or thing that assumes the leadership or forefront, as of a profession or industry.

   Paris is a bellwether of the fashion industry.

   Synonyms:

   trailblazer, front runner, pacesetter, leader

3. a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index.

4. a person who leads a mob, mutiny, conspiracy, or the like; ringleader.

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bellwether British  

/ ˈbɛlˌwɛðə /

noun

1. a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell

2. a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly

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Etymology

Origin of bellwether

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at bell ¹, wether

Explanation

Use the word bellwether to indicate someone or something that takes the lead in a group or movement. Literally, a bellwether is a sheep (often wearing a bell) that leads a herd. Unless you herd sheep, you probably don't see many bellwethers that say "Baaa." That's the origin of this word, but there are many other types of bellwethers who lead the way in different areas. Apple was a bellwether in technology. Rosa Parks was a bellwether in civil rights. And, during election season, those "bellwether states" are the ones where the primaries seem to predict the outcome of a party's nomination.

Example Sentences

Oscar Selby, who researches troubled High Streets at the Centre for Cities think tank, sees them as a "bellwether" for the wider economy.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

The stock’s first days of trading will serve as a bellwether for the rest of the quantum space, Wedbush analyst Antoine Legault told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

As an export-oriented economy with a small domestic market, Singapore is usually seen as a bellwether for international trade.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

A bellwether trial for cases brought against Meta by US states is set to proceed in the same court starting in August.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

But take a sheep flock now—the bellwether is jest a nice gentle old castrate thet'll do jest whut the sheepherder wants.

From Assassin by Bone, Jesse F. (Jesse Franklin)