already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē How to pronounce already (audio)
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!

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand, the growing demand for aid could strain already tight budgets, particularly for smaller colleges with limited endowments. Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Vasseur stressed that with marketing activities concluded over the winter break, the focus is to perform this season and Hamilton is already on the job, fully focused and determined. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 That figure includes the probationary workers already dismissed and IRS workers who accepted the administration's 'buyout' offer over email. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 Lionel Lazarre, deputy spokesman for Haiti's National Police, said police have new plans to fight gangs that already control 85% of Haiti's capital, but declined to provide details, citing safety reasons. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for already

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of already was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/already. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

already

adverb
al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌred-ē
: before a certain time : by the time
I had already left when you called

More from Merriam-Webster on already

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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