omen

noun

ˈō-mən 

: an occurrence or phenomenon (see phenomenon sense 1) believed to portend a future event : augury

The dark clouds were considered a bad omen.

Synonyms of omen

• portent
• forerunner
• augury
• prediction
• foreshadowing
• precursor
• presage
• hint
• suggestion
• foreboding
• herald

Examples of omen in a Sentence

They regarded the win as a good omen for the team.

omens of things to come

Recent Examples on the Web

While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation. —Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Researchers created a test to screen drivers who can perceive omens before a road accident occurs. —Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026

Maybe there’s a good omen buried somewhere in there for the Caniacs. —Max Bultman, New York Times, 22 May 2026

Call it an omen for the accomplishment that Bergstrom pulled off on Thursday, sprinting down the runway and flying through the air to assert herself as the top pole vaulter in Colorado. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin omin-, omen

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for omen

• bowmen
• coman
• foeman
• foemen
• gnomon
• nomen
• roman
• showman
• showmen
• soman
• toman
• yeoman

Kids Definition

omen

noun

ˈō-mən 

: a happening believed to be a sign or warning of some future event