beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

bē-

1

a

: in anticipation

b

: in advance

2

: ahead of time : early

Synonyms

• early
• inopportunely
• precociously
• prematurely
• unseasonably

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

Please be sure to follow tips for safe sleep beforehand and check out some of our other baby gear guides, like Best Baby Monitors, Best Sound Machines, Best Baby Carriers, Best Strollers, and Best Travel Strollers. —Nena Farrell, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024

Here, guests can attend the famous summer festival, have dinner beforehand on one of the city’s oldest terraces, meet performers backstage before performances begin, and watch from the coveted Royal Box. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024

Advertising from telehealth companies, along with data showing that a sizable portion of men who get testosterone don’t even get their levels checked beforehand, lends credence to their fears. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

You may be encouraged to drink more water beforehand to increase the fluid in your veins, which can help during the blood draw. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb

be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand 

: ahead of time : in advance