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

Audiences don’t know where the gigs are until two hours beforehand and the actual gigs are a complete surprise as well. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

This could have easily read as corny, had Wright not so expertly filled the frame with such activity beforehand. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025

Without knowing beforehand where those images would lead us. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025

Tickets are $25 and available beforehand at eventbrite.com and also will be available at the door. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 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