up to

1 of 2

preposition

1

—used as a function word to indicate extension as far as a specified place

sank up to his knees in the mud

2

—used as a function word to indicate a limit or boundary

up to 50,000 copies a month

worked up to the last minute

up to

2 of 2

phrase

1

: capable of performing or dealing with

feels up to the task

2

: engaged in

what is he up to

3

: being the responsibility of

it's up to me

Examples of up to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Winds across Northern California will gust up to 30 mph Saturday and higher at high elevations. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

And for the ultimate splurge, guests can book a private dining experience for up to six people at Acanto Restaurant surrounded by Swarovski crystal curtains. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Across the coastal Carolinas, rainfall of 3 to 5 inches, with localized totals up to 8 inches are possible. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

The summary coincides with the second edition of MPA’s APOS Sports Edge forum, held at The METT in Singapore in the run-up to the city’s Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for up to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

up to

preposition

1

: as far as a named part or place

sank up to my hips

2

: in accordance with

the game was not up to our standards

3

a

: to the limit of

come in sizes up to 10

b

: as many or as much as

carry up to 10 tons

4

: until entry 1, till

from dawn up to dusk