bellwether

[ bel-weth-er ]

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.

bellwether

/ ˈbɛlˌwɛðə /

noun

1. a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell
2. a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly

Word History and Origins

Origin of bellwether¹

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

Example Sentences

When does a local education fight become a national bellwether?

From The Daily Beast

The Old Dominion is now a national bellwether, and the GOP is looking like anything but a national party.

From The Daily Beast

Yet, the reality is that Cuccinelli lags, and that Virginia is now an electoral bellwether.

From The Daily Beast

Brad Plumer notes that Walmart sales are often a bellwether for the rest of the economy.

From The Daily Beast

So Ohio is more than just a bellwether; it could decide the election.

From The Daily Beast

A Galilean said, "When the shepherd is angry with his flock, he appoints for its leader a blind bellwether."

From Project Gutenberg

And what is the use of arguing with sheep who are leaping after the bellwether?

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

One bellwether will carry a whole flock after it, but I fear not that any will want to hold back.

From Project Gutenberg

If I done something against the regulations, would you have to report me to Captain Bellwether?

From Project Gutenberg