English · Word Candidate

herald

/ˈhɛɹəld/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: heralds · heralding · heralded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A messenger, especially one bringing important news.

Noun

The herald blew his trumpet and shouted that the King was dead.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A harbinger, giving signs of things to come.

Noun

Daffodils are heralds of Spring.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To proclaim or announce an event.

Verb

Daffodils herald the Spring.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To greet something with excitement; to hail.

Verb

The film was heralded by critics.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “herald” mean?

A messenger, especially one bringing important news.

Is “herald” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.