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

The Fab Five was set to be interviewed on the CBS morning show to discuss the series’ legacy after 10 seasons, but co-host Gayle King noted that Brown canceled his appearance about an hour beforehand. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026

The installation construction will start about six weeks before its reveal with one of the most iconic features, the piece revealing the name of the champions gate, being put in place shortly beforehand. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

Depending on your room’s location, navigating between the multiple elevators and narrow hallways could be difficult for those with mobility challenges, so be sure to inquire beforehand. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026

Thinking through your party setup with intention beforehand and eliminating anything that requires you to spend active time in the kitchen instead of on the couch means that after kickoff, the only things left to stress about will be yard lines and touchdowns. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Jan. 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