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

There’s a passage in the final movement when the full orchestra, reinforced by trumpets, trombones, tuba, and a thunder roll of timpani, clamber up to a teeth-rattling fortissimo. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Under the new agreement, Google will receive environmental attribute certificates (EACs) from a portion (up to 91,000 metric tons) of the steel produced in Stegra’s first year of production. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

This Epicka model is a hit on Amazon with travelers who appreciate being able to charge up to six devices (including full-size laptops) at once. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

Essie Break Fix Liquid Nail Patch goes on as a liquid and dries into a solid bandage, like a clear spackle, that holds for up to five days. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 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