ɑ:

/ɒn/

Definition & Meaning of "on"

PREPOSITION

in contact with and upheld by a surface

atop

Example

If you are cold the blanket is on the bed.

The plates are on the table.

1.1

in the general surface area or proximity of something

along

Example

We stayed in a cottage on the lake.

There's a gas station on Main Street.

1.2

used to refer to a particular side or part of something

Example

The bakery is on the left.

You'll find the library on your right.

1.3

toward or in the direction of something or someone

toward

after

Example

His gaze rested on the painting.

The security camera was angled on the entrance.

1.4

as a result of accidental physical contact with something

Example

I banged my knee on the coffee table.

She scraped her hand on the wall.

1.5

used to indicate that something appears as a mark, feature, or covering on a surface

Example

There's a stain on the shirt.

He had a scar on his cheek.

used to indicate something is attached or held by means of something else

Example

The ornament hung on a hook.

Keys dangle on a chain.

2.1

supported by a part of the body

Example

He rested on one knee.

She slept on her stomach.

2.2

used to show dependence on something for support, sustenance, or functioning

Example

The child depends on his parents.

This plant feeds on sunlight.

in the possession of someone

Example

He had no money on him.

She kept a flashlight on her.

relating to or about a particular subject

about

with regard to

in relation to

with respect to

over

Example

She wrote a book on medieval history.

We had a debate on climate change.

4.1

in respect to something

Example

They were short on patience.

Go easy on the salt.

used to show something is caused by or resulted from something

Example

He succeeded on pure determination.

She failed on a technicality.

5.1

used to show something is based upon or modeled after something

Example

The story is modeled on true events.

We acted on good advice.

used to indicate that something is included as part of a group, category, or set

Example

She served on the jury.

He 's on the committee.

used to indicate the object of an action, attack, effort, or collision

Example

The general launched a surprise attack on the fortress at dawn.

She pulled a prank on her classmates during the trip.

7.1

used to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will toward someone or something

Example

Please have mercy on the innocent.

She is very keen on hiking during the summer.

used to specify the medium for transmitting, recording, or storing information

Example

I jotted the idea down quickly on a scrap of paper.

They recorded the whole concert on tape.

8.1

used to indicate being broadcast by a radio or television channel

Example

A new comedy series will premiere on Channel 7.

They aired the special documentary on national television.

in the course of a journey or while progressing toward a destination

Example

He was on his way to the library when I saw him.

On his travels through Asia, he learned three new languages.

9.1

while traveling in a public conveyance

Example

He worked with his laptop on the train.

We had lunch together on the ferry.

9.2

onto a public conveyance, used to show means of conveyance

aboard

Example

We hurried to get on the train before it departed.

She climbed on the bus just in time.

used to show a day or date

Example

We celebrated her promotion on New Year's Eve.

The museum opens on May 1st.

10.1

at the time of or at the occurrence of an action or event

Example

She was cheered on entering the auditorium.

On hearing the news, he burst into tears.

used to express involvement, participation, or engagement in a particular activity or task

Example

He's on a mission to complete the project.

They're on a quest for new opportunities.

11.1

used to indicate inclusion within something, such as a list or agenda

Example

We added the topic on the meeting agenda.

Is your name on the guest list?

used to indicate regularly taking a drug or medicine

Example

He is on antibiotics for his infection.

She was on blood pressure medication for years.

12.1

under the influence of a drug or intoxicating substance

Example

He's definitely on something, judging by his behavior.

She was acting oddly on prescription meds.

used to indicate the focus of obligation, blame, or responsibility

Example

You can put the blame on me for the mistake.

The success of this project rests on the whole team.

used to show something for which a payment is made

for

Example

I spent $ 40 on groceries today.

He wasted a fortune on gambling.

14.1

used to indicate an increase or addition to a particular quantity, amount, or measurement

Example

They tacked a service fee on the bill.

A few extra cents on the electricity bill wo n't matter.

used to indicate reduplication or succession in a series

after

Example

He suffered loss on loss after the fire.

They encountered setback on setback during the project.

used to indicate manner of doing something, often followed by "the"

Example

They discussed the deal on the sly.

Please keep everything on the up-and-up.

used to indicate the instrument used to perform an action

Example

He cut himself on a broken glass.

I contacted her on the phone.

used to say what number to call to contact someone

Example

You can reach me on 555-0199.

Call me on my office line tomorrow.

used to show that someone is taking time away from regular duties or routines

Example

They ’re on holiday for the next two weeks.

She ’s on vacation and will be back next month.

used to make a comparison with someone or something else

Example

Sales are up on last year's figures.

His performance improved on his last tournament.

used to show the number of points a person or team has in a competition

Dialect

British

Example

Our team is on five points after three games.

She is on seven points, leading the group.

ADVERB

in a position resting atop or supported by something

atop

Example

Make sure the painting is on before stepping back.

The book is n't quite on; adjust it.

in contact with the body and covering it

Example

She already had her jacket on when I arrived.

He kept his shoes on during the flight.

with a forward motion in space, time, or progress

ahead

foremost

forward

frontward

onward

Example

As the night wore on, the crowd grew restless.

Let's press on despite the weather.

used to indicate that something continues and does not stop

all the time

away

continuously

day in and day out

ceaselessly

Example

She rambled on despite the interruptions.

He talked on for hours without pause.

in a state of operating or functioning, especially of electrical devices or systems

Example

The heater is switched still on.

Leave the porch light on.

ADJECTIVE

currently powered or activated

active

effective

functional

live

operative

Example

The lights are on all over the house.

Is the heating on yet?

currently happening or ongoing

underway

in progress

Example

A war is on overseas.

A national crisis was on at the time.

2.1

scheduled or planned to happen as intended

Example

The meeting is definitely on for tomorrow.

Is the dinner still on?

2.2

being presented or being broadcast, especially referring to events or performances

Example

What's on at the theater this weekend?

The big match is on later today.

(of a performer, etc.) performing, broadcasting, or about to perform or broadcast

Example

I'm on in five minutes, so I need to get ready.

She was on when I switched the TV over.

3.1

actively engaged in duties, particularly in jobs requiring performance or responsiveness

Example

The nurse is always on during night shifts.

The doctor is on tonight.

expressing agreement to or acceptance of a challenge

game

Informal

Example

You want a race?

He's on for dinner tomorrow night!

being fitted onto something or being worn

Example

His jacket was on despite the heat.

The cap was still on the bottle.

feasible, achievable, or capable of being done successfully

accomplishable

achievable

acquirable

attainable

come-at-able

Example

That shortcut is n't on after the storm.

Playing two matches back-to-back is n't on.

acceptable, proper, or reasonable, typically used negatively

Dialect

British

Informal

Example

That behavior was not on at all.

It's just not on to treat people like that.

Nearby Words

on a collision course

on a dime

on a knife-edge

on a need-to-know basis

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Definition & Meaning of "on"

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