earˈlierize or earˈlierise transitive verb

To do at a date earlier than that arranged

earˈliness noun

early bird noun

1. The proverbial catcher of the (early) worm
2. An early riser
3. A person who arrives early
4. (with caps) a name given to a type of communications satellite

early blight see potato blight under potato

early-closˈing adjective

early day motion noun

A parliamentary motion for consideration on a day when business finishes early, ie (as such days rarely exist) merely to draw attention to a matter

early door noun

An entrance to a theatre or hall open before the ordinary door at a higher price (see also early doors below)

Early English see under English

early music noun

Classical European music up to about 1700, esp when performed in authentic style

early-Victorˈian adjective

Belonging to or characteristic of the early part of Queen Victoria's reign

early-warnˈing adjective

(also as two words) belonging to or part of an early warning system

early warning system noun

A system of advance warning or notice, esp of nuclear attack

early wood noun (botany)

The wood formed in the first part of a growth layer during the spring, typically with larger cells and thinner cell walls than the late wood

at the earliest

Not before (a specified time or date)

earlier on

Previously

early and late

At all times

early doors (slang)

At an early stage in the proceedings

early on

Before much time has elapsed

have an early night (informal)

To go to bed earlier than usual

(it's) early days (informal)

(it's) too soon to know, have a result, etc

keep early hours

To rise and go to bed early