herald

her-ald · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An official messenger bringing news, especially in medieval times.

  2. 2.

    A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something.

  3. 3.

    (as verb) To announce or signal the approach of something.

  4. 4.

    (heraldry) An official who records genealogies and grants coats of arms.

Forms

plural: heralds

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    herald a new era — to signal the beginning of a significant new period
  • •
    much-heralded — widely announced or promoted in advance

Related words

See also: announce, harbinger, messenger, proclaim
Synonyms: announcer, harbinger, messenger, precursor

Etymology

From Old French herault, heralt, possibly from Frankish heriwald ("army commander"), from hari ("army") + waldan ("to command").