beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

bē-

1

a

: in anticipation

b

: in advance

2

: ahead of time : early

Synonyms of beforehand

• early
• immediately

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

He was briefed on the operation beforehand, shared a common vocabulary with one of the co-conspirators, Solages, and received details in the aftermath. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

The agents had passed notes to one another for months beforehand. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Medicine and Small Valuables An open house means welcoming strangers into your home, so anything valuable, sensitive, or easy to pocket should be stowed away beforehand. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

The university’s police chief sent a text message asking Turning Point’s security supervisor to meet at the event location a few hours beforehand, but no meeting ever happened, the report said. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

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