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 date a hearing can take place, he said, will be after the Fed's policy meeting scheduled for December 8-9.
From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026
My earliest product ideas, dreamed up more than 60 years ago, fused physics and the culinary arts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
The goal is to use the cheapest countermeasure at the earliest point to neutralize the threat, with all decisions driven by data.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
During the 1950s and 60s, Sir Paul lived with his family at 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, Liverpool, and composed some of the earliest Beatles' tracks with John Lennon there.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
“I can ask other hataalii if they are able to do a last-minute N’daa. But I think the earliest any of us can do one is going to be next year.”
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
