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

Instead, as Quick reported, Dundon has already been canvassing the basketball world for Splitter’s possible replacement while clearly not caring about the awful optics. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Finish one task that’s already underway, and let that demonstrate the kind of consistency others can trust. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation, and said authorities have already interviewed Allen's brother and at least one other family member. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

With virtually all their starting positions already settled, the Packers made just six draft selections to match their lowest total in franchise history. —Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 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