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, Tottenham Hotspur will leave their season-ticket renewal window open until June 7, which is two weeks after the 2025-26 term ends.
—
Phil Hay, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Biennial will feature a video game—and visitors will be able to play it prior to its public release.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2026
Far from an inconsequential transformation or a sign of the times, these changes have left me feeling disoriented and seeking a new place to call home.
—Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026
Bessent’s combativeness is, in part, a sign of the times, said David Lublin, chair of the Department of Government at American University’s School of Public Affairs.
—Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
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Phil Hay, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Biennial will feature a video game—and visitors will be able to play it prior to its public release.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2026
Far from an inconsequential transformation or a sign of the times, these changes have left me feeling disoriented and seeking a new place to call home.
—Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026
Bessent’s combativeness is, in part, a sign of the times, said David Lublin, chair of the Department of Government at American University’s School of Public Affairs.
—Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
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 18 Mar. 2026.
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