ahead Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having the leading position or higher score in a contest
    leading; in the lead.
    • he is ahead by a pawn
    • the leading team in the pennant race
  2. adverb at or in the front
    in front; before.
    • I see the lights of a town ahead
    • the road ahead is foggy
    • staring straight ahead
    • we couldn't see over the heads of the people in front
    • with the cross of Jesus marching on before
  3. adverb toward the future; forward in time
    forward.
    • I like to look ahead in imagination to what the future may bring
    • I look forward to seeing you
  4. adverb in a forward direction
    forwards; onward; onwards; forward; forrader.
    • go ahead
    • the train moved ahead slowly
    • the boat lurched ahead
    • moved onward into the forest
    • they went slowly forward in the mud
  5. adverb ahead of time; in anticipation
    beforehand; in advance.
    • when you pay ahead (or in advance) you receive a discount
    • We like to plan ahead
    • should have made reservations beforehand
  6. adverb to a more advanced or advantageous position
    • a young man sure to get ahead
    • pushing talented students ahead
  7. adverb to a different or a more advanced time (meaning advanced either toward the present or toward the future)
    • moved the appointment ahead from Tuesday to Monday
    • pushed the deadline ahead from Tuesday to Wednesday
  8. adverb leading or ahead in a competition
    out front; in the lead.
    • the horse was three lengths ahead going into the home stretch
    • ahead by two pawns
    • our candidate is in the lead in the polls
    • way out front in the race
    • the advertising campaign put them out front in sales

WordNet


A*head" adverb
Etymology
Pref. a- + head.
Definitions
  1. In or to the front; in advance; onward.
    The island bore but a little ahead of us. Fielding.
  2. Headlong; without restraint. Obs. L'Estrange.

Webster 1913