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

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; …

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.

early meaning, definition, what is early: in the first part of a period of time, e...: Learn more.

occurring in the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: an early hour of the day. occurring before the usual or appointed time: an early dinner.

1 day ago · 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.

5 days ago · Schools like the early decision track because it allows them to lock down attractive prospects and raise the school’s yield, the status-bestowing percentage of admitted students …

Dec 3, 2025 · College football's early signing period opened Wednesday with much of the 2026 recruiting class committed. That added some extra drama for those teams chasing last-minute …

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.