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.
The world finally caught on in 1980, when Armani draped Richard Gere in his louche suits for Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The entire confrontation was caught on security-camera footage, which Allen overlaid. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 After Mitchell’s catch on Machado’s fly, second baseman Brice Turang ended the eighth with an acrobatic catch of Ty France’s tailing popup in foul ground. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Retailers first experimented with virtual fitting kiosks in the 1990s, but the results weren’t realistic enough to catch on commercially, per Photta. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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