until

[uhn-til]

conjunction

1. up to the time that or when; till.

   He read until his guests arrived.

2. before (usually used in negative constructions).

   They did not come until the meeting was half over.

preposition

1. onward to or till (a specified time or occurrence).

   She worked until 6 p.m.

2. before (usually used in negative constructions).

   He did not go until night.

3. Scot. and North England.,  to; unto.

until

/ ʌnˈtɪl /

conjunction

1. up to (a time) that

   he laughed until he cried

2. (used with a negative) before (a time or event)

   until you change, you can't go out

preposition

1. (often preceded by up) in or throughout the period before

   he waited until six

2. (used with a negative) earlier than; before

   he won't come until tomorrow

Usage

The use of until such time as (as in industrial action will continue until such time as our demands are met ) is unnecessary and should be avoided: industrial action will continue until our demands are met

Confusables Note

See till ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of until¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English untill, from un- (from Old Norse unz “up to, as far as”) + till till ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of until¹

C13 untill; related to Old High German unt unto, until, Old Norse und; see _till ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see put off until tomorrow; talk one's arm off (until blue in the face). Also see under till.

Example Sentences

For the moment, Jim O'Neill, one of Kennedy's top advisers, has been tapped up to run the CDC on an interim basis, until a new permanent director can be found.

From BBC

A decade later, they were able to tour as The Turtles … featuring Flo & Eddie, a billing they’d retain into the 2010s, until Kaylan retired from the road in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times

"Until someone goes out and tests a whole bunch of sunscreens in other countries, we just don't know the extent of it."

From BBC

“I am 78 years old, so I shouldn’t be out there, but I love it so much, I couldn’t give it up until it was proved I couldn’t do it anymore.”

From Los Angeles Times

When Andy’s told he can’t accompany his human teammates, including Rain, to the promised land they’re seeking, he seems momentarily confused, hurt possibly, until he lands on the obvious.

From Salon