unto

preposition

un·to ˈən-(ˌ)tü

: to

—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

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.

Not just a rock star but an entire galaxy unto himself, Bowie became a singular force in glam rock, electronic and ambient sounds, dance pop, art rock, and gender-bending fashion. — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 No costume designer, no cinematographer, no production designer is an island unto themselves. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026 Are each of us, ultimately, all alone in the world, mere islands unto ourselves? — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026 Increasingly, however, marinas are becoming desirable destinations unto themselves. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unto. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unto

preposition

un·to ˌən-tə

ˈən-tü

: to entry 1

unto

preposition

Examples of unto in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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