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

Total snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches, except up to 14 inches above 5000 feet. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026

The bill would make the unlawful approach of a first responder a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. —Matthew Kelly april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

The Knicks have not lived up to expectations — not even close, not even with just three wins over their final six games to tie last season’s 51-win mark. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until filling is set and cake is cold, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 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