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, safely tech firm Axon recently introduced a new generation of body cameras designed for frontline retail workers.
—
Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Dior’s apartment is grand but dark and scarcely furnished and decorated, a sign of the times.
—Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024
From decarbonization to delamination, the winners are (hopefully) a sign of the times.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
As a sign of the times, their romance was seen as all but official when Mendes shared a photo of the two together on his Instagram account in April 2018.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
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.
Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Dior’s apartment is grand but dark and scarcely furnished and decorated, a sign of the times.
—Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024
From decarbonization to delamination, the winners are (hopefully) a sign of the times.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
As a sign of the times, their romance was seen as all but official when Mendes shared a photo of the two together on his Instagram account in April 2018.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a sign of the times
Dictionary Entries Near 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 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share