Dictionary
forerunner
noun fore·run·ner \ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər\
: someone or something that comes before another
: a sign of something that is going to happen
Full Definition of FORERUNNER
1
: one that precedes and indicates the approach of another: as a : a premonitory sign or symptom b : a skier who runs the course before the start of a race
2
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First Known Use of FORERUNNER
13th century
Related to FORERUNNER
- Antonyms
- descendant (also descendent)
Synonym Discussion of FORERUNNER
forerunner, precursor, harbinger, herald mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another. forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage <the blockade was the forerunner of war>. precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another <18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics>. harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event <their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season> <the herald of a new age in medicine>.
Rhymes with FORERUNNER
FORERUNNER Defined for Kids
forerunner
noun fore·run·ner \ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər\
Definition of FORERUNNER for Kids
: someone or something that comes before especially as a sign of the coming of another
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