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

Their biggest predatory threat is the Tully Grunter, a larger native Australian fish up to 35 centimeters long, that scientists believe was introduced to the river by recreational fishers wanting a decent catch. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025

Samsonite luggage, comfy travel outfits, and genius packing solutions are all on sale, up to 90 percent off, and already starting to sell out. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Her boots featured a black suede material covering the entire shoe, up to the knee-high shaft. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025

Even though the holidays are over, the best deals are still here at Nordstrom with after-Christmas sales on designer fashion, jewelry, handbags, and more—and our favorite picks are up to 60 percent off for a limited time. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025

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