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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a bunch of new pieces in place across the organization with even more coming in April, anything seems possible for the Patriots next season, along as Drake Maye lives up to the hype. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 The total number of tax refunds edged up to 49,828,000 in 2025, compared to 49,145,000 in the same period last year, an increase of 1.4%. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Tsunamis are another hazard listed as possible to occur up to once in the next 51 to 100 years. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025 Georgia, for example, provides up to a 30% credit for productions. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for up to

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up to was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20to. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on up to

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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