before

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the 20 years before that, the phrase was used just 37 times.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Retired US brigadier general Houston Cantwell, who has 400 hours of combat flight experience, said a pilot's training would likely kick in before he or she parachutes to the ground.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

The pilot of the twin-engine, single-seat attack jet was able to fly out of Iranian airspace before ejecting from the aircraft and being rescued, they said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Now the Bruins are trying to win before their seniors graduate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“Oh yeah. Just like the summer before seventh grade, when we took my grandpa’s tents out to the shore, and you swore you saw a UFO skimming along the lake.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith