already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē 

ˈȯl-ˌre-dē

1

: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously

He had already left when I called.

2

—used as an intensive

All right already.

Enough already!

Synonyms

• earlier
• ahead
• previously
• early
• before

Examples of already in a Sentence

They've already agreed to come.

I'd already left by the time you called.

He acted as if he didn't already know.

Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands.

Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed!

Do you have to go already?

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the Wicked actress is an EGOT winner already. —Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

Toney, who less than a year ago was leading Plantation American Heritage to a state championship as both a receiver and a quarterback, had already begun to show his potential in last week’s win over Notre Dame. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

Six separate receivers have caught touchdown passes already this season, a stark difference from a season ago when Green was criticized for being too reliant on a small number of playmakers. —Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025

Travelers already fortunate enough to spend a few days in the epitome of paradise know what these excited resort-goers are in for—the trip of a lifetime. —Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing already

• all right already

Rhymes for already

• unsteady
• heady
• ready
• reddi
• steady
• teddy
• thready

Kids Definition

already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē 

ˈȯl-ˌred-ē

: before a certain time : by the time

I had already left when you called