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

Newcastle and Barcelona opted to resolve Gordon’s situation beforehand, given the former’s need to recoup funds and the latter’s desire to get business done early, but those spoken to suspect that broader market movement will come later in the summer. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Dinner is at the Four Seasons, but beforehand, Pruniaux is going to show off the Laureato Three Gold Bridges, Neo Constant Escapement, Minute Repeater Flying Bridges, and La Esmeralda Tourbillon. —Jayson Buford, Robb Report, 4 June 2026

Having your setup ready, understanding your strongest questions beforehand, and keeping the interview focused shows professionalism immediately. —King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026

The man followed Talkin’ Baseball on Instagram and frequented the store beforehand. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 2 June 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