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

Landry faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, according to federal prosecutors. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026

The Weather Channel reported in a social media post that the event faces a 60% chance of thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 34 miles per hour. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Eligible Brazilian productions from outside Rio and international projects can receive rebates of up to 30% of qualifying local expenses, while productions with Rio de Janeiro as their primary filming location may qualify for rebates of up to 35%. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 14 June 2026

Iran has 972 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 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