early

adverb

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ear·ly | \ ˈər-lē

earlier; earliest

Definition of early

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : near the beginning of a period of time awoke early in the morning

b : near the beginning of a course, process, or series early in his senatorial career

2a : before the usual or expected time the train arrived early

b archaic : soon

c : sooner than related forms these apples bear early

early

adjective

earlier; earliest

Definition of early (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series in the early evening the early symptoms of the disease

b(1) : distant in past time

(2) : primitive early tools

2a : occurring before the usual or expected time an early arrival

b : occurring in the near future at your earliest convenience

c : maturing or producing sooner than related forms an early peach

Other Words from early Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing early Learn More About early

Synonyms & Antonyms for early

Synonyms: Adverb

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adverb

Antonyms: Adjective

late

Examples of early in a Sentence

Adverb Early in his career he moved to the city. a word first recorded early in the 17th century They were trailing by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The package should be arriving early next week. She arrived early to help with the preparations. I got up early to finish packing. Adjective the early symptoms of the disease The early part of the book is better than the later part. We had an early spring this year. We're early. The show doesn't start for half an hour. I've always been an early riser. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb The Bucks came all the way back from a 14-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to tie the game 105-105 on a Jrue Holiday three-pointer with 43.2 seconds left, and Bobby Portis hit the game-winner off an offensive rebound. — Jim Owczarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11 May 2022 The Kharkiv region, including the major city itself, came under heavy attack early in the war with many of its buildings destroyed by Russian strikes. — Mariia Ulianovska, NBC News, 11 May 2022 Global health agencies do not have the money to buy the antivirals or tests, which are crucial because the medication needs to be started early in the course of infection. — Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 May 2022 Vance came out early with the lead and continued to gain ground throughout the night. — cleveland, 3 May 2022 Get the party started a little early with music by Las Fenix, the family Tejano band from Houston; La Calma; and Daniel Lopez y Aventura. — San Antonio Express-News, 29 Apr. 2022 Vanderbilt University Medical Center came on early – and their large commitment inspired others. — Bill Frist, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 For 14-year-old Lizza Onufrieva, the signs of what that occupation would bring came early to her family’s home in Mariupol’s Ilyich neighborhood, on the first day of the war, Feb. 24. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2022 On Friday night, West Linn got the scoring started early. — oregonlive, 22 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective In-person early voting in primary runoff elections in Texas begins on Monday and runs through Friday. — Rick Klein, ABC News, 16 May 2022 The special election and primary will take place June 7, and early voting will be available at vote centers throughout the district. — Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2022 Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, which could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters. — Ashraf Khalil, David Sharp, Anchorage Daily News, 15 May 2022 Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, which could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters. — al, 14 May 2022 Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, which could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters. — Ashraf Khalil And David Sharp, Chron, 14 May 2022 Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, which could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters. — David Sharp, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2022 In Friday's hearing, Poynter said Bequette's campaign found out about the error through phone calls from voters after early voting began. — Rachel Herzog, Arkansas Online, 14 May 2022 With early voting scheduled to start next Thursday, the ruling came in time to get ballots printed for both in-person voting and voting by mail. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2022 See More

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