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.

The mother of 17-year-old Cain Lee Clark first called police at 9:42 a.m., about two hours before the first reports of an active shooter at the mosque.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Judge Perry told the U.S. attorney: “I have never seen the types of prosecutorial behavior before a grand jury that I saw in those transcripts.”

From Slate • May 22, 2026

Staniforth will have to serve 16 years and 133 days before he is eligible for parole.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Fashion bible Vogue seemed to agree, saying "Moore has never before so mastered this glamorous aesthetic that goes from timeless sophistication to daring modernity".

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The noise was followed by feedback before the mic settled down.

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