: an occurrence or phenomenon (see phenomenon sense 1) believed to portend a future event : augury
The dark clouds were considered a bad omen.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The temptation to read the white things of this novel as metaphors or omens is hard to resist. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025 Based on the omens and mathematical trends the next successful United manager isn't due for a while. Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Owls With their piercing gaze, silent flight and haunting calls, owls are often seen as omens of death in folklore. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 2024 These are positive omens for a goal-shy side that has not managed to dispel fears of a fourth successive relegation battle. Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for omen 

Word History

Etymology

Latin omin-, omen

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omen was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near omen

Cite this Entry

“Omen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omen. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

omen

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

More from Merriam-Webster on omen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!