1. further forward in space; in the line of one's forward motion: "he had to give his attention to the road ahead"Similarforwardstoward the frontfrontwardsonwardsonforthin frontat the headin the leadat the foreto the forein the vanguardin the vanin advanceat the head of the queueat the head of the lineOppositebehindbehindat the back
▪ further forward in time; in advance; in the near future: "he contemplated the day ahead"Similarin the futurein timein time to comein the fullness of timeat a later dateafter thishenceforthsubsequentlylater onin due coursenextfrom now onfrom this day/time onfrom this day forth/forwardOppositein the past
▪ in the lead: "the Bucks were ahead by four"Similarleadingwinningin the lead(out) in frontto the forefirstcoming firstinformal:up frontOppositelosing
▪ higher in number, amount, or value than previously:"profits were slightly ahead"
Word Originmid 16th century (originally in nautical use): from a-2 ‘in, at’ + head.