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
William Gumede, an associate professor at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University, says the summit controversy is a sign of the times.
—
NPR, 21 Nov. 2025
In perhaps a sign of the times, a Fare for All pop-up event for affordable groceries, a program of The Food Group, filled the parking lot with cars on Friday at the West Seventh Community Center in St. Paul.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2025
In an interview, Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, Auberge Collection’s vice president, well-being, said programs like these are a sign of the times and cater to new generations, looking for more than just a hotel stay.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Her story is a sign of the times.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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NPR, 21 Nov. 2025
In perhaps a sign of the times, a Fare for All pop-up event for affordable groceries, a program of The Food Group, filled the parking lot with cars on Friday at the West Seventh Community Center in St. Paul.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2025
In an interview, Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, Auberge Collection’s vice president, well-being, said programs like these are a sign of the times and cater to new generations, looking for more than just a hotel stay.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Her story is a sign of the times.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 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 29 Nov. 2025.
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