until
Americanconjunction
-
up to the time that or when; till.
He read until his guests arrived.
-
before (usually used in negative constructions).
They did not come until the meeting was half over.
preposition
-
onward to or till (a specified time or occurrence).
She worked until 6 p.m.
-
before (usually used in negative constructions).
He did not go until night.
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Scot. and North England. to; unto.
conjunction
-
up to (a time) that
he laughed until he cried
-
(used with a negative) before (a time or event)
until you change, you can't go out
preposition
-
(often preceded by up) in or throughout the period before
he waited until six
-
(used with a negative) earlier than; before
he won't come until tomorrow
Usage
The use of until such time as (as in industrial action will continue until such time as our demands are met ) is unnecessary and should be avoided: industrial action will continue until our demands are met
Commonly Confused
See till 1.
Etymology
Origin of until
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English untill, from un- (from Old Norse unz “up to, as far as”) + till till 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It is not something that would cross my mind until you mentioned it," he said.
From BBC
The immediate impact of the U.S. strikes on oil prices may not be clear until Sunday evening New York time, when trading in Brent futures resumes.
Firefighters then worked to winch the plane from the sea and Hampshire police were keeping the aircraft secure until it can be recovered, said the fire service.
From BBC
Earlier in the season Greek Alexandros Kyziridis, signed from Slovakia's Zemplin Michalovce, made headlines and, until recently, McInnes' former Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay had been an ever present since his summer move.
From BBC
McInnes singled Braga out for praise after the win against Aberdeen and also said "this week will good for him" as he the striker manages a groin issue and Hearts not in action again until 14 March.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
