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

But Maysent called for longer-range public notice beforehand. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025

Just be sure to check the food truck’s Facebook page beforehand to check its exact location. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025

Ultra-fine sugars, or even pulsing your sugar in the food processor beforehand, can make the crystals smaller and easier to incorporate. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Miami Dade College did not respond to questions from the Miami Herald about whether the meeting was related to the presidential library beforehand. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 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