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

Officials urge visitors to stay vigilant Authorities and experts alike said one of the largest factors in preventing an attack is whether law enforcement is notified about suspicious activity beforehand. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026

The British actor’s most notable role to American audiences beforehand was HBO’s Looking. —Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026

In-House A$AP Rocky’s new gig for Chanel went viral months beforehand when he was spotted seemingly proposing to Qualley in NYC in October. —Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026

At least that way you can be prepared — either by suggesting somewhere else or by eating hearty appetizers beforehand. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 19 June 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