Forerunner — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər/ fore·run·ner

Meaning & Definition of Forerunner

Forerunner (noun)

  1. one that precedes and indicates the approach of another
  2. a premonitory sign or symptom
  3. a skier who runs the course before the start of a race

Forerunner (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another

    "the return of the swallows is traditionally regarded as a forerunner of spring"

    similar: angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, precursor
    related: foreboder, foreshadower, foretaste, forewarning, advertiser, announcer, blazoner, crier, proclaimer, courier, messenger, runner, augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, portent, prefiguring, presage, mark, sign, symptom, bellwether

  2. something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

    "enjoyed the demonstration of the simple hand loom that was the forerunner of today's computer-controlled looms"

    similar: ancestor, antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, granddaddy, precursor, predecessor, prototype
    related: model, original, originator, sire, father, mother
    opposite: descendant
    near: by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off, daughter, son

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Forerunner

The most common words with a similar meaning to Forerunner:

angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, precursor, ancestor, antecedent, archetype, daddy, granddaddy, predecessor, prototype

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Forerunner

Words with the opposite meaning of Forerunner:

descendant

Related Words for Forerunner

foreboder, foreshadower, foretaste, forewarning, advertiser, announcer, blazoner, crier, proclaimer, courier, messenger, runner, augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, portent, prefiguring, presage, mark, sign, symptom, bellwether, model, original, originator, sire, father

Near Antonyms of Forerunner

by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off, daughter, son

Origin & Etymology of Forerunner

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Forerunner

What does "Forerunner" mean?

"Forerunner" means one that precedes and indicates the approach of another. As a noun, it is defined as: one that precedes and indicates the approach of another. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Forerunner"?

Other words for "Forerunner" include angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, precursor, ancestor and antecedent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Forerunner" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Forerunner"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Forerunner". Common alternatives include angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, precursor, ancestor, antecedent, archetype and daddy.

What is the opposite of "Forerunner"?

Antonyms of "Forerunner" include descendant. Near antonyms include by-product, derivative, offshoot and outgrowth.

How do you use "Forerunner" in a sentence?

Examples of "Forerunner" in a sentence: "the return of the swallows is traditionally regarded as a forerunner of spring"; "enjoyed the demonstration of the simple hand loom that was the forerunner of today's computer-controlled looms".

Is "Forerunner" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Forerunner" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Forerunner"?

"Forerunner" is pronounced /ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər/ and divided into syllables as fore·run·ner.

What is the origin of the word "Forerunner"?

First known use: before 12th century.