ahead

adverb

uh-HED/əˈhɛd/

6 meanings of ahead

1
beating othersadverb
In a better or more advanced position than other people or things.
Like being in front during a race.
Our team was three points ahead at halftime.
She finished early and got ahead of everyone else.
UsageSay ahead of someone. Put the size of the lead first: three points ahead.
Oppositebehind
2
before (an event)adverb
Before something happens, or before the time it is due.
Like packing your bag the night before school.
It helps to plan ahead before a long trip.
We booked our tickets ahead so we would not miss out.
UsageYou will often hear plan ahead and ahead of time.
Similarbeforehand, early
Oppositelate
3
adverb
At or toward the front, in the direction you are facing or going.
Like the part of the path right in front of your feet.
The road curved sharply just ahead of us.
Look ahead and you will see the old bridge.
UsageYou often hear straight ahead and just ahead. Say ahead of us for in front of us.
Similarforward, onward
Oppositebehind, backward
Note
4
in the futureadverb
In or for the time that is still to come.
Like the part of a trip you have not traveled yet.
There are hard times ahead, so we must save money.
Think about the years ahead before you decide.
UsageIt often comes after a noun: the days ahead. It also follows verbs: look ahead.
Oppositebehind
5
adverb
To an earlier time than first planned.
We moved the appointment ahead so we could finish sooner.
The game was moved ahead from Sunday to Saturday because of the storm.
UsageMoving a date ahead can mean earlier or later. Say the new date so people know.
Similarforward, up
Oppositeback
Note

Less common meaning

6
adverb
To a later time than before, as when a plan is moved later or clocks are set forward.
In spring we set the clocks ahead by one hour.
Every March, my dad sets all the clocks in our house ahead one hour.
UsageSetting clocks ahead means moving them forward. For dates, say the new date.
Similarforward
Oppositeback, backward
Note

Practice

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Origin

From a- plus head. It may have started as a sailing word meaning "beyond the head of a ship," then came to mean "in front of."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Ahead was formed from a- and head. en.wiktionary.org
Ahead may have originated as a sailing term meaning beyond a ship's head, then developed the general meaning in front of. en.wiktionary.org