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

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are predicted. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025

Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale accessory deals Some pretty wild things are going on over in the accessories department, where high-summer necessities like city bags, sleek sunglasses, and statement jewelry are up to 43% off. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 July 2025

Keep reading for deals on Apple tech, Samsonite luggage, and more—up to 86 percent off. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to four hours on a single charge. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 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