noun
definition
A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.
adjective
definition
At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
example
at eleven, we went for an early lunch; she began reading at an early age; his mother suffered an early death
definition
Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.
example
The early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes.
definition
Near the start or beginning.
example
Early results showed their winning 245 out of 300 seats in parliament. The main opponent locked up only 31 seats.
definition
Having begun to occur; in its early stages.
example
early cancer
definition
Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun.
adverb
definition
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
example
We finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early.
definition
Soon; in good time; seasonably.