barometer
noun
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When did barometer become figurative?
Originally, barometer referred to an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Although this meaning is still very much in use, the word has taken on a strongly figurative sense denoting something that signals changes in conditions not necessarily related to the weather. This extended use of barometer has existed since at least the early 18th century, when Isaac Bickerstaff used it in an article in The Tatler: “I have an Engine in my Study, which is a Sort of a Political Barometer, or, to speak more intelligibly, a State Weather-Glass.”
Examples of barometer in a Sentence
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Other seasonal barometers have not been particularly bullish.
—Bob Pisani, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
In some ways, Reid appears to be the barometer against the Lakers.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Industry leaders often use the expo to announce new models and new production targets, and such announcements—or the lack of them—would be a good barometer of the EV truck industry's momentum.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barometer
Cite this Entry
“Barometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barometer. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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barometer
noun
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