unto

preposition

un·​to ˈən-(ˌ)tü 

1

: to

2

—used as a function word to indicate reference or concern

… they became a world unto themselves.

—Anne T. Fleming

Examples of unto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Firstman is the creative love child of Judd Apatow and Nicole Holofcener, delivered unto a Gen Z cohort who’ve become obsessed with watching movies in theaters. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

There was a time in this country when arts criticism was valued as a worthwhile pursuit unto itself, as opposed to a wonky and unreliable component of the promotional apparatus. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026

Much like in Taiwan — where the company accounts for nearly one-tenth of Taiwan’s gross domestic product — TSMC has become, if not the center of the universe, then at least a galaxy unto itself. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

Still, demonstrations are proof unto themselves that health care workers are upset. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

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

Kids Definition

unto

preposition

un·​to ˌən-tə 

ˈən-tü

: to entry 1