Main Entry: ¹on

Pronunciation: \ˈȯn, ˈän\

Function: preposition

Etymology: Middle English an, on, preposition & adverb, from Old English; akin to Old High German ana on, Greek ana up, on

Date: before 12th century

1 a —used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of <the book is lying on the table> b —used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface <the fly landed on the ceiling> <I have a cut on my finger> <paint on the wall> c —used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with <a village on the sea> <stay on your opponent> d —used as a function word to indicate the location of something <on the left> <on the south side of the house> <on the farm>
2 a —used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support <on a string> <stand on one foot> <hang it on a nail> b —used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence <you can rely on me> <feeds on insects> <lives on a pension> c —used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance <on the bus> d —used as a function word to indicate presence in the possession of <had a knife on him>
3 —used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place <a parade on Sunday> or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done <on cue> <on arriving home, I found your letter> <news on the hour> <cash on delivery>
4 archaic : of
5 a —used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something ; often used with the <on the sly> <keep everything on the up-and-up> b —used as a function word to indicate means or agency <cut myself on a knife> <talk on the telephone> c —used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression <on stage> <best show on television>
6 a (1) —used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status <on the increase> <on the lookout> (2) : regularly using or showing the effects of using <on drugs> b —used as a function word to indicate involvement or participation <on tour> <on the team> <on duty> c —used as a function word to indicate inclusion <put it on the agenda> d —used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective <on schedule>
7 a —used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation) <I have it on good authority> <on one condition> <the interest will be 10 cents on the dollar> b —used as a function word to indicate the cause or source <profited on the sale of stock> c —used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility <drinks are on the house> <put the blame on me>
8 a —used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action <bumped my head on a limb> <an attack on religion> <pulled a gun on me> b —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment <has three inches in height on me> <a 3-game lead on the second-place team> <the joke's on me>
9 a —used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort <crept up on him> <feast your eyes on this> <working on my skiing> <made a payment on the loan> b —used as a function word to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will <have pity on me> <keen on sports> <a curse on you> c —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some misfortune or disadvantageous event <the crops died on them> d —used as a function word to indicate the subject of study, discussion, or consideration <a book on insects> <reflect on that a moment> <agree on price> e : with respect to <go light on the salt> <short on cash>
10 —used as a function word to indicate reduplication or succession in a series <loss on loss>