early: Meaning and Definition of

ear•ly

1. in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: early in the year.
2. in the early part of the morning: to get up early.
3. before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time: They came early and found their hosts still dressing.
4. far back in time: The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.
5. with but little time elapsed; early in the course of a process, project, etc.; early in the game.

1. 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.
2. occurring before the usual or appointed time: an early dinner.
3. belonging to a period far back in time: early French architecture.
4. occurring in the near future: I look forward to an early reply.
5. (of a fruit or vegetable) appearing or maturing before most others of its type: early apples.

1. a fruit or vegetable that appears before most others of its type.

Ear•ly

1. 1816–94, Confederate general in the U.S. Civil War.