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
That’s a notable departure from how USC, or most other schools, used to handle the role and a sign of the times in college football.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Being tired is linked to something deeper than just overwork or a sign of the times.
—Lina Begdache, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025
The sea change may also be a sign of the times, as politicians are increasingly wary of sending electronic communications that are subject to public records requests.
—Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
The company's bankruptcy is a sign of the times, representing a change not just in consumers' habits, but also changing macro-economic trends in the pricing of so many items Big Lots stocks and the profit margins.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
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.
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Being tired is linked to something deeper than just overwork or a sign of the times.
—Lina Begdache, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025
The sea change may also be a sign of the times, as politicians are increasingly wary of sending electronic communications that are subject to public records requests.
—Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
The company's bankruptcy is a sign of the times, representing a change not just in consumers' habits, but also changing macro-economic trends in the pricing of so many items Big Lots stocks and the profit margins.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share