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

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images For the actual ceremony and red carpet beforehand, Ryan chose a strapless burgundy gown with a low slit. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025

Meredith McKenzie, owner and principal designer, and Shivani Vyas, operations lead and senior designer of The Selective Design in Macon, Georgia, recommend measuring your space beforehand. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2025

Maryland reached the semifinals in that tournament a year ago to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament that was likely — but not certain — beforehand. —Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025

Bob and Brad Slipping the unit on (and remembering to remove eyeglasses and contacts beforehand), pressing the power button for two seconds switches it on. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for beforehand

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb

be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand 

: ahead of time : in advance