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

There are also wireless charging and fast-charging features that can boost the onboard battery with up to 10 hours of power from just 10 minutes of charging. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

However, to get the building back to a usable condition and up to current code, the county estimates that upwards of $20 million worth of work needs to be done. —Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

Canada and China announced a new trade agreement allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market. —Keith Laing, USA Today, 21 Jan. 2026

Grab the set in charming floral patterns and striped prints for up to 63 percent off. —Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 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