preposition
Uncommon
ere
eh-uh
Ere (preposition) means Before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word). Example: “He vowed to return ere nightfall.”
preposition
1
Before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word).
"He vowed to return ere nightfall."
"Ere long, the truth came out."
conjunction
1
Before (something happens) — used the same old-fashioned, literary way.
"Ere she could answer, the phone rang."
How to use ere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "before."
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "air" or "heir" — they sound alike but are unrelated.
When to use it
Archaic/literary — you will meet it in older poetry and fiction, not in everyday modern English.
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He vowed to return _____ nightfall.
Etymology
From Old English ǣr ("early, before"), the same root that gives us "early" and "erstwhile."
Rhymes for ere
See all rhymes for ere →Frequently asked questions
What does “ere” mean?
The word “ere” means before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word). In plain terms, an old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "before.".
How do you pronounce “ere”?
“Ere” is pronounced eh-uh (/ɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ere” in a sentence?
Here is “ere” used in a sentence: “He vowed to return ere nightfall.”
What part of speech is “ere”?
Depending on how it is used, “ere” can be a preposition and a conjunction.
Where does the word “ere” come from?
The word “ere” comes from Old English. From Old English ǣr ("early, before"), the same root that gives us "early" and "erstwhile.".
Is “ere” a common word?
“Ere” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ere” have?
“Ere” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word).
