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

However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026

Lopez, a former sparring partner, seeks to become a three-division champion, moving up to 147 lbs following a loss at junior middleweight, and is adopting a less braggadocious pre-fight stance. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

There are up to 1 million New Zealanders living abroad, although it isn’t known how many are eligible to vote. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

The September 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $994, will be sent to recipients in 23 days. — Emily Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 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