Early has 13 different meanings across 3 categories:
A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.
"I'd rather start my morning on the early shift so I can get some extra sleep later tonight."
"The early was the last bus that left the station, so I almost missed it."
Usage: In informal contexts, "early" functions as a noun to refer specifically to an early morning work shift or tour. Use it only when describing scheduled labor periods, such as in phrases like "working the early," rather than as a general time indicator.
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
"early morning"
"an early warning"
"early diagnosis"
"an early death"
"took early retirement"
"an early spring"
"early varieties of peas and tomatoes mature before most standard varieties"
being or occurring at an early stage of development
"in an early stage"
"early forms of life"
"early man"
"an early computer"
of an early stage in the development of a language or literature
"the Early Hebrew alphabetical script is that used mainly from the 11th to the 6th centuries B.C."
"Early Modern English is represented in documents printed from 1476 to 1700"
At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
"The train arrived early, pulling into the station well before its scheduled departure time."
In plain English: Early means happening before the usual time or sooner than expected.
"We had an early breakfast before leaving for the trip."
Usage: Use early to describe something that happens before the typical or scheduled time, such as arriving at work ahead of your usual hour. It functions as an adjective placed directly before the noun it modifies, like "an early train."
before the usual time or the time expected
"she graduated early"
"the house was completed ahead of time"
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
"The train arrived early, pulling into the station ten minutes ahead of schedule."
In plain English: Early means happening before the usual or expected time.
"We need to leave early if we want to catch the train."
Usage: Use early to describe doing something sooner than the usual or expected time, such as arriving at work before your shift starts. It often pairs naturally with verbs of motion or arrival to indicate punctuality ahead of schedule.
A surname.
"The Early family has lived on this farm for over a century."
The word early comes from the Old English adjective ǣrlīċ, which was formed by combining ere (meaning "before") with the suffix -ly. It has retained its original meaning of happening before the usual time since entering Middle English.