early
adverb
in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc..
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The earliest that new legislation targeting AI could get traction is December, when the midterms are over, according to 22V Research analyst Kim Wallace.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026
Parliament can vote on a new prime minister on September 29 at the earliest.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
Ever since the earliest days of the Chicago Bears, the team has been so synonymous with defense that you’d think they invented the sack.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Among the earliest to reach damaged tissue are neutrophils, immune cells that were long viewed mainly as a cleanup crew responsible for removing debris.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026
Before, though he had known them all well from his earliest childhood, he had been afraid of them.
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
