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

This shelf-stable pantry staple is made from sweet cream solids and can be stirred right into the dish without dissolving it in liquid beforehand. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Doctors typically ask people to avoid caffeine and smoking beforehand because both raise the heart rate and blur the images. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Bring your significant other and have a Mall of America day beforehand. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Following the event, Disney distributed press releases about a new parade coming to Disneyland Paris and a new show for Hong Kong Disneyland which weren't mentioned beforehand. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 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