1. people or things that come before and indicate the approach of others; predecessors
Usage: plural form of forerunner
2. early examples or versions of something that develops later
Usage: plural form of forerunner

Examples

• The dark clouds were forerunners of the approaching storm.
• These early computers were forerunners of today’s advanced machines.
• The protesters were forerunners of a larger social movement.
• Ancient Greek philosophers were forerunners of modern scientific thinking.
• The first electric cars were forerunners of today’s eco-friendly vehicles.
• These symptoms are often forerunners of more serious illness.