until

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

3. onward to or till (a specified time or occurrence): She worked until 6 p.m.
4. before (usually used in negative constructions): He did not go until night.
5. Scot. and North England. to; unto.

conjunction (subordinating)

1. up to (a time) thathe laughed until he cried
2. (used with a negative) before (a time or event)until you change, you can’t go out

preposition

3. (often preceded by up) in or throughout the period beforehe waited until six
4. (used with a negative) earlier than; beforehe won’t come until tomorrow

prep.c.1200, from Old Norse und “as far as, up to” (related to Old English end; see end) + till “until, up to” (see till (prep.)). Originally also used of persons and places. Cf. Swedish intill, Danish indtil. The Modern German equivalent, bis (Old High German biaz), is a similar compound, of Old High German bi “by, at, to” and zu “to.” see put off until tomorrow; talk one’s arm off (until blue in the face). Also see under till.