upon

1 of 2

preposition

up·​on ə-ˈpȯn How to pronounce upon (audio)
-ˈpän
: on

upon

2 of 2

adverb

up·​on ə-ˈpȯn How to pronounce upon (audio)
-ˈpän
1
obsolete : on the surface : on it
2
obsolete : thereafter, thereon

Examples of upon in a Sentence

Preposition He carefully placed the vase upon the table. They built their city upon a cliff overlooking the sea. She was seated upon a throne. an assault upon traditional values She was admitted to his office immediately upon her arrival. That kind of behavior is frowned upon.
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.
Preposition
And then, on this trip in the last several days, living in the shadow of this larger-than-life character and feeling constantly put upon and shamed by him and embarrassed by him. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 The Trump administration’s HHS designees are uniquely equipped to build upon and accelerate that effort. Michael L. Millenson, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 The script their collaborative effort produced reeled in Craig, who was immediately taken upon reading their blueprint and took it on as his first gig not portraying James Bond or Knives Out sleuth Benoit Blanc in seven years. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 Mike slowly starts to earn the respect of his much younger teammates, ultimately leading him on a journey to address his masculinity and resolve his generational trauma put upon by his father, while also addressing his strained relationship with his son. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upon 

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upon was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near upon

Cite this Entry

“Upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upon. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

upon

preposition
up·​on
ə-ˈpȯn,
-ˈpän,
-(ˌ)pən

More from Merriam-Webster on upon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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