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

But, in fact, according to the most recent science from Alphabet’s Calico Life Sciences and other research, up to 90% of our health and longevity are literally within our control. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024

From Hollywood to New York and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to Stars have been everywhere this week, from Kendall and Kylie Jenner sharing some summery sister sips in Las Vegas to Anya Taylor-Joy dressing for some sun in a huge hat in Cannes. —Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024

There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. —Nell Freudenberger, New York Times, 14 May 2024

Torrey Pines and Classical, plus up to the next 12 individuals, qualified for the SoCal Regionals on May 22 at Los Serranos South in Chino Hills. —Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024

In February, the Wall Street Journal reported that Altman was in talks with investors including the U.A.E government to raise up to $7 trillion for AI chip manufacturing projects. —Will Henshall, TIME, 13 May 2024

Direct Retail Partners is asking the city to rezone 20.4 acres at 311 E. Bonds Ranch Road to allow for up to 423 apartments, which could sit atop commercial space on the ground floor. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2024

To go ad-free, prices jump up to $15.99/month or $19.99/month for ad-free programming in 4K Ultra HD. —Rudie Obias, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

At its maximum, the reservoir is 60 feet deep and contains about 200 million gallons of water, enough to supply all of Carlsbad for up to 20 days. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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