already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌre-dē
1
: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously
He had already left when I called.
2
used as an intensive
All right already.
Enough already!

Examples of already in a Sentence

They've already agreed to come. I'd already left by the time you called. He acted as if he didn't already know. Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands. Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed! Do you have to go already?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But one flaw — a fatal flaw in October — has already crept into the good-time vibes. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Without starters going more than five innings, the Mets have taxed their relievers already. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 Lee already had six permanent tattoos –– small ones easily hidden by clothing –– and thought this was a good opportunity to try out a more visible tattoo. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 Characterized by embracing your natural shape and texture—imperfections and all—the trend is a fitting one for 2025, as the year already seems to be celebrating a distinct come-as-you-are vibe as far as beauty goes. Dulce Moncada, Glamour, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for already

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of already was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/already. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

already

adverb
al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌred-ē
: before a certain time : by the time
I had already left when you called

More from Merriam-Webster on already

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!