advanced; advancing
Definition of advance
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: to accelerate the growth or progress of
advance a cause
2
: to bring or move forward
advance a pawn
3
: to raise to a higher rank
was advanced from clerk to assistant manager
5
: to bring forward in time
especially
: to make earlier
advance the date of the meeting
6
: to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : propose
advance an idea
7
: to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment
advance a loan
8
: to raise in rate : increase
advance the rent
advance
nounDefinition of advance (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: a moving forward
halted the enemy's advances
2a
: progress in development
… mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment.— H. J. Laski
b
: a progressive step : improvement
an advance in medical technique
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
The workers won wage advances.
4
: a first step or approach made (as to gain favor or form an acquaintance)
especially
: the act of speaking to someone in an effort to start a sexual relationship
—usually plural
She rejected his advances. The report alleges that the supervisor repeatedly made unwanted/improper sexual advances towards subordinates.
5
: a provision of something (such as money or goods) before a return is received
I need an advance on my salary.
also
: the money or goods supplied
received a $100,000 advance on his new book
in advance
in advance of
1
: to, toward, or in a place or position ahead
sent scouts out in advance
2
: before a deadline or an anticipated event
made reservations in advance
: ahead of
made preparations several days in advance of her arrival
advance
adjectiveDefinition of advance (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time
advance sales
2
: going or situated before
an advance party of soldiers
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Flower Edition
-
- Name that flower

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share advance
Time Traveler for advance
The first known use of advance was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century