These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. 2023 Etheridge knelt down, slung the woman’s leg onto her shoulder and serenaded her. 2023 The neighbor then gave it to Amalfitano, who held onto it for another two decades before sharing photos on social media. 2023 Bosses want their employees back at their desks-making the most of the massive investments companies have made in commercial real estate, while employees want to hold onto their newfound freedom. 2023 The rodents, about 15 in all, tumbled out onto a table, then streamed down its legs to the floor. 2023 Reaching it requires a circuitous route: either out onto Wilshire or via an elevator that deposits you into the very corporate lobby of the Occidental tower and on to the bank space beyond. 2023 In this modern era of impatient owners, how many people with Preller’s resume hang onto their jobs for nine years? - Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023 The tower adjacent to his home was hit by Israel overnight, collapsing onto his own house and rendering him and his family homeless.
In informal language, ‘onto’ is also used to show that you’re ‘on top of’ a situation, or well-informed: I’m onto your sneaky plan I’ll be onto the next task as soon as this one is done.
I don’t know how the mayonnaise got onto my sweater. Preposition Over the last two weeks, broadcast cameras turned their focus onto the suites in stadiums in which the Chiefs were playing. For example: The frog jumped onto the stone.
