early

noun

A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.

1. At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.

   at eleven, we went for an early lunch;  she began reading at an early age;  his mother suffered an early death

2. Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.

   The early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes.

3. Near the start or beginning.

   Early results showed their winning 245 out of 300 seats in parliament. The main opponent locked up only 31 seats.

4. Having begun to occur; in its early stages.

   early cancer

5. Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun.

1. At a time before expected; sooner than usual.

   We finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early.

2. Soon; in good time; seasonably.