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

In South Korea, almost eighty per cent of children regularly attend a hagwon—a private-tutoring center that supplements their schooling and prepares them for tests—which means that many kids are spending up to twelve hours a day in a classroom. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

While its inboard diesel engine gives it an operational cruising speed of 25 knots (29 mph, 46 km/h) and a range of 650 nautical miles, the craft can sprint up to a maximum speed of 55 knots (63 mph, 102 km/h). — David Szondy july 18, New Atlas, 19 July 2026

Scroll through to find deals on seasonal sheets, sleepwear, and more, with discounts of up to 45% off. — Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Meta is reportedly in talks to lease its computing power to Anthropic in a deal that could be worth up to $10 billion over two years, Reuters reported. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 July 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