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
The introduction of the best podcast category could be seen as a sign of the times, as awards shows seek new ways to increase viewership.
—
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
That the question about Powell is even unclear is a sign of the times with a president who, in unprecedented ways, openly seeks control of Fed policy and a Fed chair who has defiantly resisted that encroachment and tried to protect the Fed’s independence.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
That’s why, in a sign of the times, the sheriff’s office sold its helicopters two years ago and has begun to replace them with drones.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Nov. 2025
William Gumede, an associate professor at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University, says the summit controversy is a sign of the times.
—NPR, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
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Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
That the question about Powell is even unclear is a sign of the times with a president who, in unprecedented ways, openly seeks control of Fed policy and a Fed chair who has defiantly resisted that encroachment and tried to protect the Fed’s independence.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
That’s why, in a sign of the times, the sheriff’s office sold its helicopters two years ago and has begun to replace them with drones.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Nov. 2025
William Gumede, an associate professor at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University, says the summit controversy is a sign of the times.
—NPR, 21 Nov. 2025
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 16 Jan. 2026.
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