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
In a sign of the times, 1871, the influential Chicago tech incubator that has launched some of the city’s most innovative startups, is vacating its longtime offices at the Mart.
—
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Perhaps a sign of the times, the drama series debuted in second place on the English-language TV list with 19.1M views.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
Chris Jacobsen, 59, who was visiting from Michigan, saw the change as a sign of the times.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
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
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.
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Perhaps a sign of the times, the drama series debuted in second place on the English-language TV list with 19.1M views.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
Chris Jacobsen, 59, who was visiting from Michigan, saw the change as a sign of the times.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
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
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 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share