happening or done before the usual or expected time

we ate an early lunch

belonging or happening near the beginning of a particular period

an early goal secured victory

she's in her early fifties

before the usual or expected time

I was planning to finish work early today

near the beginning of a particular time or period

we lost a couple of games early in the season

potatoes which are ready to be harvested before the main crop

early shifts

she is on earlies