What does until mean?
Until is a standard English preposition and conjunction meaning “up to” a particular time, moment, or event. It may be followed by a noun phrase, as in “I will be busy until Thursday,” or by a clause, as in “We waited until the music stopped.” Its meaning can include both the endpoint itself and the period leading up to it, although it does not mean “during” that entire period in every context. Until is common in formal writing and everyday speech in British and American English. It often appears with verbs of waiting, continuing, remaining, or postponement. The related word “till” has a similar grammatical function but is generally more informal and is especially frequent in British English. Until can also create a negative time restriction: “She did not leave until midnight” means that her departure happened at midnight or later, not before it.
Used before a noun or noun phrase to indicate a point in time up to which an action, state, or situation continues.
"The library is closed until further notice."
This use is standard in both formal and informal English.
Used to introduce a clause expressing the time up to which an action continues or the moment when another event occurs.
"We stayed indoors until the storm passed."
Common in everyday speech and formal writing; “until” is often preferred in more formal contexts.
Until marks the final point in time before something changes: the countdown to an ending, a deadline, or the moment a story turns.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does until come from?
Until entered Middle English from Old Norse, combining the element “und,” meaning “up to” or “as far as,” with “til,” meaning “to.” The development of the compound reflects the Norse influence on English vocabulary during the Middle English period. The form “unto” is an old variant with a related meaning, while “till” comes from the same Old Norse element “til” and is now an independent English word.
How until is actually used
Until is used in standard formal and informal English in both British and American varieties. It is especially common before a noun phrase, as in “until tomorrow,” and can introduce a clause after verbs such as “wait,” “remain,” and “continue.” In negative constructions, “not until” emphasizes that an event does not happen before the stated time.
Easily confused with until
Both words can mean “up to” or introduce a clause, but “till” is generally more informal, especially in British English, while “until” is more neutral and formal.