herald
UK: ˈhɛrəld | US: ˈhɛrəld
n. 1. An official messenger bringing news or proclamations.
n. 2. A person or thing viewed as a sign of something to come.
vt. 1. To announce or signal the approach of something.
The word "herald" traces back to Old French herault, combining Germanic roots for "army" and "ruler." Originally, heralds were messengers of noble or military authority, later evolving to signify announcers of important news or precursors of events. The dual roots reflect their role as intermediaries of power and information.
The royal herald delivered the king’s decree to the crowd.
Robins are often heralds of spring.
The invention heralded a new era in technology.
She was hailed as a herald of social change.
Dark clouds heralded the approaching storm.