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.
Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025 For Wimbledon to follow this trend might not seem like a particularly radical move, but the grass-court grand slam, brimming with history and old-school values, is often viewed as a separate entity to other tournaments, a world unto itself. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Already, there has been a sixth-place finish in voting for Rookie of the Year, an accomplishment unto itself, considering Ware went to the Heat at No. 15 last June. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 Situated on the coast (technically spread across two islands, Zealand and Amager), Copenhagen’s waterfront has become an attraction unto itself. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 29 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 10 Jul. 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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