beforehand
adverb or adjective
be·fore·hand
bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 
bē-
1
a
: in anticipation
b
: in advance
2
: ahead of time : early
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
Check with the manufacturer beforehand to confirm that your dish is safe to use under the broiler.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships typically aren't required to file annual reports, but always double-check your state's compliance guidelines beforehand.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
In the days beforehand, Tupac talked nonstop about overwhelming Jackson with his lips and tongue.
—Jeff Pearlman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Churchill, who was prime minister of the United Kingdom twice, most famously from 1940-1944 during World War II, was also a senior Member of Parliament and close to members of the royal family for years beforehand.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beforehand
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships typically aren't required to file annual reports, but always double-check your state's compliance guidelines beforehand.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
In the days beforehand, Tupac talked nonstop about overwhelming Jackson with his lips and tongue.
—Jeff Pearlman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Churchill, who was prime minister of the United Kingdom twice, most famously from 1940-1944 during World War II, was also a senior Member of Parliament and close to members of the royal family for years beforehand.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beforehand
Cite this Entry
“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beforehand
adverb
be·fore·hand
-ˌhand
: ahead of time : in advance
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