hitherto

adverb

hith·​er·​to ˈhi-t͟hər-ˌtü How to pronounce hitherto (audio)
ˌhi-t͟hər-ˈtü
: 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.
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 This in turn could yield the hitherto elusive cost savings. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 To keep things fresh, producers have ventured into hitherto uncharted baking grottoes. Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 This effort could reveal hitherto undiscovered and unexpected patterns of movement, like vortices around the poles of the sun similar to those spotted above the poles of Venus and Saturn. Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hitherto

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitherto was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hitherto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitherto. Accessed 20 Oct. 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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