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

Swindon, for so long a political bellwether, is perhaps providing a parable of Englishness.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 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

Snap and TikTok settled that case just prior to that trial, which was a bellwether case for similar lawsuits brought in state court.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

But stock market impact won’t be lacking as the world’s most valuable company, Nvidia, announces earnings on Wednesday, and U.S. consumer bellwether, Walmart, reports results on Thursday.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

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

From By Right of Conquest Or, With Cortez in Mexico by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)