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 benchmark 10-year Treasury yield edged up to 4.511%. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Because Benavides and Mills are sharing bench coach duties, it’s freed them up to do more individual work with players, which is where the real work is done. —C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2025

That offense—defaming the Italian government, parliament, courts, or army—carries a fine of up to €5,000 ($5,240) and is subject to direct summons to trial. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 18 Feb. 2025

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