Meaning of the word bellwether in English

What does bellwether mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bellwether

US /ˈbelˌweð.ɚ/
UK /ˈbelˌweð.ər/

Noun

1.

a person or thing that shows what is likely to happen in the future

Example:
The results in Ohio are often a bellwether for the national election.
The company is considered a bellwether of the tech industry.
2.

a male sheep that leads the flock, typically with a bell on its neck

Example:
The shepherd relied on the bellwether to guide the other sheep.
The bellwether wore a large bell around its neck.