on
//ɒn//
Definitions
1.In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
- All the lights are on, so they must be home.
2.Happening; taking place; being or due to be put into action.
- This is her last song. You're on next!
- Mike just threw coffee onto Paul's lap. It's on now.
- We had to ration our food because there was a war on.
3.Fitted; covering or being worn.
- Your feet will soon warm up once your socks are on.
- I was trying to drink out of the bottle while the top was still on!
4.Of a stated part of something, oriented towards the viewer or other specified direction.
- The photograph shows the UFO side on.
1.To an operating state.
2.So as to cover or be fitted.
- The lid wasn't screwed on properly.
- Put on your hat and gloves.
3.Along, forwards (continuing an action), onwards.
- The policeman moved the tramp on.
- Drive on past the railway station.
- From now on things are going to be different.
4.In continuation, at length.
- He rambled on and on.
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #18
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Word family
Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *h₂en-der.
Proto-Germanic *an
Proto-West Germanic *ana
Old English on
Middle English on
English on