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 interest in the digital native arena by one of the world’s biggest private equity firms is a sign of the times that Lee and Yan intend to capitalize on. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

As a sign of the times, Stone’s transformations live primarily on social media — an expensive investment in virality. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

In a sign of the times, the state’s film commission director weighed in on Halley taking over the Quixote lease in Pacoima. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

The fact that Sally calls for a 6- by 10-inch pan is a sign of the times. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026

Rhymes for a sign of the times

• betimes
• enzymes
• lifetimes
• mealtimes
• ofttimes
• oximes
• pastimes
• sometimes
• sublimes
• chimes
• climbs
• climes