onto

on-to · preposition

imported

Definitions

preposition

  1. 1.

    Moving to a position on the surface of something.

  2. 2.

    Used to show movement toward a particular place.

  3. 3.

    Aware of or in contact with.

Related words

Antonyms: off
See also: into, on, upon
Synonyms: on, upon

Etymology

A compound of on + to, formed in English to express movement toward a position on a surface, as distinct from on which indicates static position. The compound became standard in the 18th century.