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 United States is planning to implement up to a $15,000 visitor visa bond requirement for certain nationals from countries with high visa overstay rates, aiming to ensure their departure after short-term U.S. business or tourist visits. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The United States is launching a pilot program that could require some inbound travelers to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to enter. —Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2025

Despite prosecutors originally recommending up to 30 months for sentencing, the court landed on 18-months, followed by two years of supervised release. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Visitors can cuddle and play with up to 30 cats and kittens for an hour. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 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