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

Christie said beforehand his team was missing Sabonis’ passing ability. —Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025

This was another delay for Wood, who was previously set for execution in 2009 when it was put on hold about 24 hours beforehand over claims he was intellectually disabled and thus ineligible for execution. —Pilar Arias, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025

Sikorski beforehand said Poland pays for the use of Starlink in Ukraine and that his country would look for another provider if Starlink is turned off. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

However, studies have suggested the virus may have been circulating undetected for months beforehand. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 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