1. a person or thing that comes before and indicates the approach of another; a predecessor
2. an early example or version of something that was later developed or improved

Examples

• The dark clouds were a forerunner of the approaching storm.
• Ancient Greek democracy was a forerunner of modern democratic systems.
• The telegraph was a forerunner to the telephone.
• Early symptoms often serve as forerunners to more serious illness.
• The Wright brothers’ plane was a forerunner of modern aircraft.
• Spring flowers are forerunners of warmer weather.
• The personal computer was a forerunner to today’s smartphones.