foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
foreshadower noun

Examples of foreshadow in a Sentence

Her early interest in airplanes foreshadowed her later career as a pilot. The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Special election proceedings this summer in Glendale, a Milwaukee suburb, foreshadowed the kinds of scenes US counties might expect to see in the coming weeks. Tess Owen, WIRED, 28 Oct. 2024 Many of these strategies of foreshadowing consumer needs stems from her work in the industry that stretches back three decades. Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The song also foreshadows what’s to come in Becky’s life. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 And recent strong gains in U.S. productivity, or output per worker, likely foreshadow further strong economic growth, Detrick says. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreshadow 

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreshadow was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near foreshadow

Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb
fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!