beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
bē-
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.
This assumes that the AI maker has beforehand data-trained the AI on the nature of coding. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Horford has not officially signed with Golden State due to the Kuminga domino having to occur beforehand for roster construction purposes. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 While Erika did not have a major public profile beforehand, she has been thrust into the national spotlight since Wednesday’s tragedy. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025 In World Soccer, Brain Glanville suggested that both the finalists of 1974 would have lost to the Brazil of 1970, and indeed the West German European Championship winners from two years beforehand. Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

beforehand

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

More from Merriam-Webster on beforehand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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