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.
That prompted speculation that Bird, who endorsed Trump before the 2024 Iowa caucuses, might challenge Ernst, who stayed neutral beforehand. Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025 Practice Restaurant Behavior Beforehand Practicing restaurant behavior beforehand can be helpful, and doing so at a casual restaurant—before trying a more upscale one—is a good way to practice, recommends Whitmore. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025 Kelly Williams, a professional wedding photographer, notes that officiants should meet with the couple beforehand to discuss the tone and content of the ceremony to avoid surprises. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 This was never discussed beforehand and added another unexpected expense on top of an already expensive trip. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near beforehand

Cite this Entry

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