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

While home spring cleaning is most often on a Southerner’s to-do list, decluttering specific areas beforehand will allow easier access to those areas that need a refresh. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

The interviews in recent years have almost all been taped beforehand, giving news organizations the chance to edit remarks and decide how best to feed different programs and various platforms that range from streaming services to traditional TV shows. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026

Provided Skubal and the Tigers do not reach an agreement beforehand, the hearing will determine whether Skubal makes $32 million or $19 million in 2026. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

The demonstrators peacefully left on their own, having decided beforehand that their action would only last an hour and a half. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 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