1 day ago · The meaning of EARLY is near the beginning of a period of time. How to use early in a sentence.

EARLY definition: 1. near the beginning of a period of time, or before the usual, expected, or planned time: 2…. Learn more.

EARLY definition: in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.. See examples of early used in a sentence.

Apr 25, 2026 · Find 100 alternatives to early, with practical tips and examples to pick the right word for timing, schedules, writing, and everyday speech.

1. in or during the first part of a period of time, course of action, or series of events: early in the year. 2. in the early part of the morning: to get up early. 3. before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time. …

Early means before the time that was arranged or expected. She arrived early to secure a place at the front. The first snow came a month earlier than usual.

Something that's early happens right at the beginning of some specific time period, or before you expect it to happen. An early party guest shows up before the party starts.

Early refers to a point in time that occurs before a specified time, event, or expected occurrence. It can also refer to something near the beginning or at the initial stage of a period or process.

There are 15 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word early, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.