beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

bē-

1

a

: in anticipation

b

: in advance

2

: ahead of time : early

Synonyms of beforehand

• early
• immediately

Examples of beforehand in a Sentence

if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet

if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute

Recent Examples on the Web

Bruce Moseley, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine, told AARP that stretching beforehand is the single most effective defense. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026

How to have guests over without going on a crazy cleaning spree beforehand. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026

Carver’s lawyer, now an Alameda County judge, argued in court that Safi’s friend was minimizing their own role in the violence, which included allegedly threatening Carver beforehand. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

However, understanding these factors beforehand ensures a smoother, more fruitful growing journey. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for beforehand

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb

be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand 

: ahead of time : in advance