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
Beckham's collaboration called back to '90s-era fashion, and the on-court superstar joined for photos as a sign of the times gone by.
—
Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
In a sign of the times, four of the six seniors started their careers at other schools, only to transfer to UCLA to form this juggernaut.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Illini — a Big Ten team with more wins in the conference over the last seven seasons than any other program — will pass for something resembling Cinderella when college basketball’s biggest party kicks off in Indianapolis on Saturday.
—Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Illinii — a Big Ten team with more wins in the conference over the last seven seasons than any other program — will pass for something resembling Cinderella when college basketball's biggest party kicks off in Indianapolis on Saturday.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
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Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
In a sign of the times, four of the six seniors started their careers at other schools, only to transfer to UCLA to form this juggernaut.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Illini — a Big Ten team with more wins in the conference over the last seven seasons than any other program — will pass for something resembling Cinderella when college basketball’s biggest party kicks off in Indianapolis on Saturday.
—Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
In a sign of the times, the Illinii — a Big Ten team with more wins in the conference over the last seven seasons than any other program — will pass for something resembling Cinderella when college basketball's biggest party kicks off in Indianapolis on Saturday.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 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 28 Apr. 2026.
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