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; bell ¹, wether

Example Sentences

The case is being called a bellwether proceeding because its outcome could set the tone for a tidal wave of similar litigation across the United States.

From Barron's

That dates from the 1980s, when it was treated as more of an economic bellwether than now, and I was the New York financial correspondent for The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Dean's lawsuit was among the first in a selection of 20 so-called "bellwether" cases against Uber set to go to trial one after another.

From BBC

In downtown Buenos Aires, the steel-enforced vault of Ingot, a company that rents out thousands of safe-deposit boxes, serves as a bellwether for confidence in the government.

From The Wall Street Journal

The case being heard in California state court is being called a "bellwether" proceeding because its outcome could set the tone for a tidal wave of similar litigation across the United States.

From Barron's