hitherto

adverb

hith·​er·​to ˈhi-t͟hər-ˌtü How to pronounce hitherto (audio)
ˌhi-t͟hər-ˈtü
Synonyms of hithertonext
: up to this or that time
reveals some hitherto unknown facts about her life

Examples of hitherto in a Sentence

at the talent show Kyle revealed his hitherto unknown gift for doing impressions
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 only exception was in January 2024, when hitherto unknown Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph took seven second-innings wickets to lead West Indies to an improbable and historic victory at the Gabba. Matt Roller, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025 And just two episodes in, a surprise throwback to the show's very first installment seems to be positioning a hitherto minor character for a pivotal closing storyline. Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 Nov. 2025 Thus, Fort Liberty again becomes Fort Bragg—this time supposedly named not for Confederate General Braxton Bragg but for Private Roland L. Bragg, a hitherto obscure infantryman who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Max Boot, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2025 Advancements in rubber compounds have given modern winter tires unbelievable amounts of grip on hitherto slippery surfaces, but those same compounds will rapidly wear out in above freezing temperatures. Wes Siler, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hitherto

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitherto was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hitherto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitherto. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

hitherto

adverb
hith·​er·​to ˈhit͟h-ər-ˌtü How to pronounce hitherto (audio)
: up to this time
hitherto unknown facts

More from Merriam-Webster on hitherto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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