<p><strong>Adverb</strong></p><ul><li>in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: early in the year.</li><li>in the early part of the morning: to get up early.</li><li>before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time: They came early and found their hosts still dressing.</li><li>far back in time: The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>occurring in the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: an early hour of the day.</li><li>occurring before the usual or appointed time: an early dinner.</li><li>belonging to a period far back in time: early French architecture.</li><li>occurring in the near future: I look forward to an early reply.</li><li>(of a fruit or vegetable) appearing or maturing before most others of its type: early apples.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a fruit or vegetable that appears before most others of its type.</li></ul>