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

Although the city has experimented with programs that send specialists to help deescalate such encounters, LAPD policy still requires armed patrol officers to clear a scene of any potential threats beforehand. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Had there been any adaptation interest, or stops and starts, beforehand? — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Drivers should fill up beforehand, download maps, and check weather and road conditions before leaving. — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Instead of approving every action beforehand, the leader can review outcomes, identify patterns and intervene where necessary. — Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 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