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

Multiple witnesses saw Smith arguing with the woman beforehand. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026

The prohibition would apply to bets on the length of the Super Bowl halftime show, the winners at the Academy Awards and the words used in a political speech because someone knows the outcome beforehand. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026

Chihuahua State Investigation Agency After locating the labs using drones, officials found tons of material to manufacture drugs but no people, who were likely alerted beforehand and fled, the prosecutor added. —CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

The mayor and council did not do enough to control costs beforehand. —Johnny Lee Dang, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 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