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 first bellwether there is set to begin in Oakland this summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

But they are not off the hook yet, as they will be defendants in several upcoming bellwether trials.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The group—regarded as a bellwether for U.K. retail—has accounted for $20 million of additional costs likely to arise from the conflict, including fuel and air freight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

That case is considered a bellwether that could influence the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies across the United States.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Finding that there was no stopping him, I followed, in obedience, perhaps, to that great and no doubt beneficent, but as yet unexplained, instinct which causes sheep to leap after their bellwether.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 06, No. 35, September, 1860 by Various