catch on

verb

caught on; catching on; catches on
Synonyms of catch onnext

intransitive verb

1
: to become aware : learn
also : understand
didn't catch on to what was going on
2
: to become popular
this idea has already caught on

Synonyms of catch on

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Examples of catch on in a Sentence

she caught on to the fact that they were planning a surprise party he finally caught on to the concept of phototaxis
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.
When Serpa announced her pregnancy, the disbelief was immediate and all caught on camera. — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The vehicle caught on fire after the crash and became engulfed in flames, according to state police. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Galliano, who rose to fame on the strength of his theatrical, feminine designs, suffered a precipitous fall from grace in 2011 after he was caught on camera making drunken antisemitic and anti-Asian remarks to a couple in a Paris cafe. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 Aug. 2026 His cameraman and producer were also injured in the attack, which was caught on camera, and treated for minor injuries. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch on

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch on was in 1882

Rhymes for catch on

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Browse Nearby Words

catch of the day
catch on
catch one's breath
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20on. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

catch on

verb
1
: to realize something
they had been teasing me, and I never caught on
2
: to become popular
will the new style catch on
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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