a sign of the times

noun phrase

: something that shows the kinds of things that are happening, popular, important, etc., in a culture at a particular period in history
Having metal detectors in schools is a sign of the times.

Examples of a sign of the times in a Sentence

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.
In the summer of 2020, being vocal about DEI was a sign of the times. Doug Melville, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 In a sign of the times, the stock replaced Intel on the Dow Jones Industrial Average last month. Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2024 In a sign of the times, safely tech firm Axon recently introduced a new generation of body cameras designed for frontline retail workers. Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 Dior’s apartment is grand but dark and scarcely furnished and decorated, a sign of the times. Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for a sign of the times 

Dictionary Entries Near a sign of the times

Cite this Entry

“A sign of the times.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20sign%20of%20the%20times. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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!