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

They believe the outcome bodes well for the eight bellwether trials set to follow in the months ahead.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The ruling in the Los Angeles bellwether case could have significant ramifications for Meta and a swath of other internet platforms.

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

Its performance is considered a bellwether for consumer sentiment in China, where authorities are seeking to make domestic spending the main driver of economic growth.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

No one was louder in his denunciation of the treacherous course of the Rev. Ebenezer Clay than the Republican bellwether, Deacon Swift.

From The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories by Dunbar, Paul Laurence