before

³before

conjunction

Definition of BEFORE

1

a (1) : earlier than the time that <call me before you go> (2) : sooner or quicker than <I'll be done before you know it> (3) : so that … do not <get out of there before you get dirty> b : until the time that <miles to go before I sleep — Robert Frost> c (1) : or else … not <must be convicted before he can be removed from office> (2) : or else <get out of here before I call a cop>

2

: rather or sooner than <would starve before he'd steal>

Examples of BEFORE

1. He left long before morning came.
2. Say goodbye before you go.
3. Call me before you arrive.
4. I finished the exam before he did.
5. It was not long before he arrived.

First Known Use of BEFORE

13th century