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

The scene was shot entirely in 3-D, with theatregoers instructed to don their glasses beforehand. —Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025

Jubilant Syrians mark a year since Assad's ouster The anniversary Monday of Assad's ouster by opposition fighters was preceded by days of celebration beforehand with fireworks and drivers waving flags and honking horns in celebration late into the night. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 12 Dec. 2025

The investigation has already highlighted shortcomings at the FAA, which failed to recognize an alarming number of close calls around Reagan National Airport in the years beforehand. —Josh Funk, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025

Otherwise, start the night with an empty dishwasher, clear fridge space beforehand, and always serve cigarettes with dessert. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025

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