- a wether or other male sheep that leads the flock, usually bearing a bell.
- a person or thing that assumes the leadership or forefront, as of a profession or industry: Paris is a bellwether of the fashion industry.
- a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index.
- a person who leads a mob, mutiny, conspiracy, or the like; ringleader.
- a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell
- a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly
