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

The fund’s tax-equivalent yield can be up to 5.3%, depending on the holder’s tax bracket. —Brett Owens, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

The home improvement chain is offering up to 30% off select major appliances until January 8, 2025, as well as 30% off on some holiday storage items. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Dec. 2024

Jarrad Branthwaite was the subject of two formal bids by United during the summer, of up to £45million plus £5m in add-ons, but Everton rejected both. —Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

What's New? California's northern coast is enduring life-threatening surf conditions, with waves reaching up to 30 feet. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 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