beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

bē-

1

a

: in anticipation

b

: in advance

2

: ahead of time : early

Synonyms

• early
• inopportunely
• precociously
• prematurely
• unseasonably

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

How to have guests over without going on a crazy cleaning spree beforehand. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

To break down barriers between visitors and people on the inside, everyone got a chance to mingle beforehand and then sat down together in an auditorium to watch films as well as a few skits and listen to musical performances. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2024

Even those might be in short supply in the coming years: Summer 2024 was the hottest on record in the Northern Hemisphere, following a string of record-breaking years beforehand. —Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024

While the film may be getting a screening elsewhere beforehand, Variety understands that the London premiere will mark its first major red carpet touchdown, attended by the cast and crew. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb

be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand 

: ahead of time : in advance