already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē 

ˈȯl-ˌre-dē

1

: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously

He had already left when I called.

2

—used as an intensive

All right already.

Enough already!

Synonyms of already

• earlier
• ahead
• previously
• early
• before

Examples of already in a Sentence

They've already agreed to come.

I'd already left by the time you called.

He acted as if he didn't already know.

Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands.

Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed!

Do you have to go already?

Recent Examples on the Web

McGlynn gave the Dynamo a three-goal lead in the 55th with assists from Ennali and Santos, who already has five helpers. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Besides, Spain receives about 11 million visitors each August; many Europeans will already be in Spain. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026

The Wizards, which are in the Heat’s division, can now add a top draft prospect to a core that already features Anthony Davis and Trae Young. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 May 2026

If the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a new unit—especially if the system is already more than 10 years old—replacement is often the smarter choice. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing already

• all right already

Rhymes for already

• unsteady
• heady
• ready
• reddi
• steady
• teddy
• thready

Kids Definition

already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē 

ˈȯl-ˌred-ē

: before a certain time : by the time

I had already left when you called