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

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

It has been closely watched as a bellwether for how Taiwan manages the security of its semiconductor sector, which is increasingly viewed through the lens of geopolitics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

KGM’s lawyers employed the unique theory of product liability, which will serve as a bellwether strategy for the many future social media addiction cases.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

As an industry bellwether, TSMC’s results are often interpreted as a read-across for demand across the wider semiconductor and electronics supply chain.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

"Come, then," cried Kretschmer pathetically; "come and be their bellwether, and lead the people into the church."

From The Merchant of Berlin An Historical Novel by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)