omen

[oh-muhn]

noun

1. anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent.

   Synonyms: foreboding, augury

2. a prognostic.

3. prophetic significance; presage.

   a bird of ill omen.

verb (used with object)

1. to be an omen of; portend.

2. to divine, as if from omens.

omen

/ ˈəʊmən /

noun

1. a phenomenon or occurrence regarded as a sign of future happiness or disaster

2. prophetic significance

verb

1. (tr) to portend

Other Word Forms

• unomened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of omen¹

First recorded in 1575–85, omen is from the Latin word ōmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of omen¹

C16: from Latin

Synonym Study

See sign.

Example Sentences

Was the Chargers’ loss to the previously winless New York Giants a mere blip or an omen of what life’s going to be like with a patchwork offensive line?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Any plan linked to Blair is an ill omen," he said.

Read more on BBC

The statement sounds like an omen and a definition of Brazil's recent history.

Read more on BBC

"Throughout history, people thought of it as a bad omen. But really, it's just the refraction of light through Earth's atmosphere - the same effect that gives us red sunsets," said Dr Bloomer.

Read more on BBC

Revellers will hope the headliner's name is not a bad omen for the event that had to be cancelled last year due to "extreme weather".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• harbinger 
• indication 
• portent 
• premonition