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

There was definitely more of a darkening of the insides of myself beforehand. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 May 2025

Not only do jalapeños give a fun twist to your usual vino with a subtle spicy kick, but freezing them beforehand keeps your wine cool without watering it down like ice cubes. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 May 2025

There was even a photoshoot beforehand; her date wore a boutonniere, and Ford had a corsage. —Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 25 May 2025

So, the most important key is to stretch beforehand. —Arkansas Online, 25 May 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