- in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: early in the year.
- in the early part of the morning: to get up early.
- before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time: They came early and found their hosts still dressing.
- far back in time: The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.
- 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.
- belonging to a period far back in time: early French architecture.
- occurring in the near future: I look forward to an early reply.
- (of a fruit or vegetable) appearing or maturing before most others of its type: early apples.
- a fruit or vegetable that appears before most others of its type.
- with but little time elapsed; early in the course of a process, project, etc.; early in the game.
- Confederate general in the U.S. Civil War.
- before the expected or usual time
- occurring in or characteristic of the first part of a period or sequence
- occurring in or characteristic of a period far back in time
- occurring in the near future
- not before the time or date mentioned
- too soon to tell how things will turn out
- before the expected or usual time
- near the first part of a period or sequence
