unto

preposition

un·​to ˈən-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce unto (audio)
1
: to
2
used as a function word to indicate reference or concern
they became a world unto themselvesAnne T. Fleming

Examples of unto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The novels for adults form a genre unto themselves: part crime thriller, part satire, part unvarnished social commentary. Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025 Welch also knows that bringing pain to immigrant families might be a reason unto itself. Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025 The temple was a veritable city unto itself: 24 departments made up the corporate body, ranging from administration and finance to the on-staff electricians to the vast musical theater production department. Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2025 As a two-night showcase amid a week of hype, WrestleMania has turned into a festival, and the residual interest in outside shows is a business unto itself. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unto

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from un- (as in until) + to to

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unto was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unto. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unto

preposition
un·​to ˌən-tə How to pronounce unto (audio)
ˈən-tü
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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