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

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 50 mph. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025

In April, those numbers are up to 13 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. —Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Expected to be unveiled by the end of the year are the Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences and Owner’s Residence on board of Explora I, the first of up to six luxury ships. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell up to 6% earlier in the session, but slightly pared losses to close 4.54% lower. —Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Apr. 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