ahead

adverb or adjective

1
a
: in a forward direction or position : forward
b
: in front
2
: in, into, or for the future
plan ahead
3
: in or toward a more advantageous position
helped others to get ahead
4
: at or to an earlier time : in advance
make payments ahead
5
a
: in or into a leading position in a race or competition
a politician who is running ahead in most polls
Josh Carter scored from a yard out and the Pride added a two-point conversion to surge ahead 14-7.Cumberland (Maryland) Times-News
b baseball
(1)
of a pitcher : in or into the situation of having thrown more strikes than balls to a batter
Home run threat Mark Reynolds was up next with the bases loaded, but Colon quickly got ahead 1-2 in the count and struck the third baseman out swinging with a … fastball.Ray Monell
(2)
of a batter : in or into the situation of having a count of more balls than strikes
Albert Pujols got ahead 3-1 and then lined one into the seats in left for his 20th home run of the year and second of the series.John Fay

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web City officials decided to move ahead with the idea, announcing the news in September 1985. Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2023 Fortune‘s CFO Daily newsletter is the must-read analysis every finance professional needs to get ahead. Alena Botros, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2023 At the end of a very brief video explaining as much (big spoiler ahead), the screen goes white then transparent and riders get their first glimpse of the expansive glowing digital realm below through the glass. Mackenzie Schmidt, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2023 Here's a look at the offseason ahead, and what next season's roster could look like: Which Kentucky players could leave? Ryan Black, The Courier-Journal, 20 Mar. 2023 These spring sales and clearance events are especially great for those looking to update their spring and summer wardrobes for the warmer days ahead. Josie Howell | , al, 20 Mar. 2023 Fortune’s CFO Daily newsletter is the must-read analysis every finance professional needs to get ahead. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 20 Mar. 2023 Arizona 51, Princeton 48 (6:22 left in second half) Arizona extends lead vs. Princeton in second half Arizona has outscored Princeton 12-5 to start the second half to move ahead 43-35 with 12:53 left in the game. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2023 The Porter County Board of Commissioners, split along party lines, is moving ahead with plans to lease out the old sheriff’s house. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ahead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ahead was in 1568

Dictionary Entries Near ahead

Cite this Entry

“Ahead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahead. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

ahead

adverb or adjective
1
: in or toward the front
the road ahead
go ahead
2
: in, into, or for the future
think ahead
3
: in or toward a better position
came out $20 ahead on the deal
4
: at or to an earlier time : in advance
make payments ahead

More from Merriam-Webster on ahead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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