up to

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

Examples of up to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Capri can get up to 180 mph and has a battery that Ford claims can carry you and your brood up to 389 miles. —Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 13 July 2024

Two secluded four-bedroom villas can host up to 16 guests, offering butler service, in-house fitness and spa sessions, and a wine fridge filled with bottles local to Santorini. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2024

Save up to 63 percent snazzy high-tech models that’ll cut down on your cleaning time, with prices starting at just $90. —Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 13 July 2024

The penalty in Texas for a first-time offender, meanwhile, can include up to a $2,000 fine and 120 days in county jail. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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