early

adjective, adverb adjective (earlier, earliest) 1 near the beginning of a period of time, an event etc: the early morning * my earliest memories * The project is still in the early stages. * the early 1990s * in the early days of space exploration (= when it was just beginning) * The earliest possible date I can make it is the third. * He's in his early twenties. * Mozart's early works (= those written at the beginning of his career) * Early booking is essential, as space is limited. * The ruling overturned the court's earlier decision. * The earliest description of this species dates from 1703. 2 arriving, or done before the usual, expected or planned time: You're early! I wasn't expecting you till seven. * The bus was ten minutes early. * an early breakfast * Let's make an early start tomorrow. * She's an early riser (= she gets up early in the morning) * He learnt to play the piano at an early age. * early potatoes (= that are ready to eat at the beginning of the season) OPPLATE earliness noun [U]: In spite of the earliness of the hour there were crowds all over town. IDIOMS an early bird (humorous) a person who gets up, arrives, etc. very early: You're an early bird this morning! at your earliest convenience (written, business) as soon as possible: Please telephone at your earliest convenience. it's early days (yet) (BrE) used to say that it is too soon to be sure how a situation will develop: It's early days yet. We don't know if the play will be a success. moreatBRIGHTadj., HOUR, NIGHT adverb (earlier, earliest) 1 near the beginning of a period of time, an event, a piece of work, etc: early in the week / year / season / morning * The best rooms go to those who book earliest. * We arrived early the next day. * We meet the hero quite early in the film. * He started writing music as early as 1989. OPPLATE -< SOON 2 before the usual, expected or planned time: The bus came five minutes early. * I woke up early this morning. * The baby arrived earlier than expected. * early flowering plants OPPLATE 3 (earlier) before the present time or the time mentioned: As I mentioned earlier... * a week earlier * She had seen him earlier in the day. OPPLATER IDIOMS early on at an early stage of a situation, relationship, period of time, etc: I knew quite early on that I wanted to marry her.