Main Entry: ²early

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): ear·li·er; ear·li·est

Date: 13th century

1 a : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series <in the early evening> <the early symptoms of the disease> b (1) : distant in past time (2) : primitive <early tools>
2 a : occurring before the usual or expected time <an early arrival> b : occurring in the near future <at your earliest convenience> c : maturing or producing sooner than related forms <an early peach>

— ear·li·ness noun