beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of beforehandnext
1
a
: in anticipation
b
: in advance
2
: ahead of time : early

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
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.
Beachgoers should check the conditions beforehand and can also ask the lifeguards before entering the water. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Just change out of your Lycra beforehand. Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026 Movement in the first round from the Cowboys has typically come on draft day rather than beforehand. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026 In a few days you will be invited to join the official Slack community but this is not essential for observation and recording beforehand. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beforehand

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beforehand was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb
be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
: ahead of time : in advance

More from Merriam-Webster on beforehand

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster