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

Collect names and phone numbers of customers or employees who saw the fall or noticed the hazard beforehand. —Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Travelers get packing lists and clues beforehand but open envelopes at the airport to find their connecting flight and final destination. —Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026

Spread by social media flyers or mass messages beforehand, the takeovers have on occasion spiraled into chaos, with reports of fights, robberies, gunshots and general disruption. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

The driver does not receive a warning beforehand. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 May 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