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.
Security cameras filmed the suspect scouting the area several times beforehand, wearing the same masculine disguise worn on the night of the attack. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Part of taking my base routine more seriously includes actually doing the prep steps, including proper skin care beforehand (SPF always) and a face primer to set my makeup up for success. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 1 July 2026 People were worried beforehand about the ticket prices and the stadiums maybe not being full. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Neither Brown nor anyone on scene came to her assistance beforehand, per the lawsuit. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

beforehand

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

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