herald

name

1. A surname.
2. A census-designated place in Sacramento County, California, United States.

noun

1. Alternative form of hareld (“long-tailed duck”).

verb

Etymology: From Latin heraldus, from Middle English herald, herauld, heraud, from Anglo-Norman heraud, from Old French heraut, hiraut (modern French héraut), from Frankish *heriwald, from Proto-Germanic *harjawaldaz, a compound consisting of Proto-Indo-European *ker- (“army”) + *h₂welh₁- (“to be strong”). Doublet of Harold and Harald; compare Walter, which has these elements reversed.

1. To proclaim or announce an event.

   “Daffodils herald the Spring.”

   “Then, some five miles north of Bolna, the entry into the Arctic is heralded by a long blast on the whistle of the engine. The Arctic Circle is marked by a sign on the east side of the line.”

2. To greet something with excitement; to hail.

   “The film was heralded by critics.”