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

However, the eruptions grew stronger in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching heights of up to 75 feet and lasting over 90 minutes, before slowing down in the early 2000s. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026

Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. —Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Across the county, wait times are up to 45 minutes in some primaries. —Rachel Royster updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

The 10th Congressional District of North Carolina stretches from Lincoln and Catawba counties up to Winston-Salem. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 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