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 pickup will be able to tow up to 11,320 pounds and haul 1,650 pounds in its cab and bed. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025

The base stores up to three tools, including a corner cleaner and an edge sweeper. —PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025

Each team has up to two review requests per match. —Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

Be ready for quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th 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