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until

un-TIL/ʌnˈtɪl/

5 meanings of until

Practice

  1. 1
    up to (a time)preposition
    Up to a certain time. After 'not', it means not before that time.

    Think of it like a finish line drawn on the clock.

    Wait until after lunch.

    The shop is open until six.

    UsageUse until when something goes on up to a time, and by for the last moment: stay until five, finish by five.

    Note
  2. 2
    conjunction
    Up to the time when something happens. After 'not', it means not before it happens.

    We waited until the rain stopped.

    Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    UsageUse the present for the future: wait until she comes. At the start: not until then did I know.

  3. 3
    as far aspreposition
    As far as a certain place, in directions.

    Keep walking until the second set of lights.

    Follow the path until the river.

    Similarto

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    prepositionobsolete
    An old use meaning 'to' or 'towards'.
    He rousd himselfe full blith, and hastned them untill.
    1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, untill means to or toward them.
    Note
  2. 5
    preposition
    Used with no ending time in notices, often meaning 'until everything is gone'.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of until apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English "vntil." It may be a northern form of Middle English "unto," built from "un-" (up to) plus "till."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts