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

Statement for the media — leaked to ESPN just beforehand — authored to be sent out early Saturday morning. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Stage 19 on Friday takes the more traditional route to Huez, and with not too much climbing for the peloton to tackle beforehand. — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Officers executing search warrants killed three dogs despite knowing beforehand that animals would likely be present and having ample opportunity to plan for non-lethal alternatives. — Vanessa Shakib, Oc Register, 23 July 2026

Meanwhile, adversaries begin their campaigns weeks, sometimes months, beforehand. — Kumar Ritesh, Forbes.com, 22 July 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