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

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

Early means before the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. I knew I had to get up early. Why do we have to go to bed so early? Early is also an adjective.

Mar 6, 2026 · You're early today! I don't usually see you before nine o'clock. The early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes.

Definition of early adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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 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.

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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.

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.