on

³on

adj

Definition of ON

1

: engaged in an activity or function (as a dramatic role)

2

a (1) : being in operation <the radio is on> (2) : placed so as to permit operation <the switch is on> b : taking place or being broadcast <the game is on>

3

: aware of something —usually used with to <my boss was on to me>

4

: intended, planned <has nothing on for tonight>

5

British : talking or harping incessantly —used with about

6

chiefly British : regarded as possible or feasible —usually used in negative constructions

7

a : engaged in or as if in a performance <the comedian was always on> b : being at a high level of performance

Examples of ON

1. The lid is on tight.
2. The band will be on in 10 minutes.
3. He is on tomorrow from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.

First Known Use of ON

circa 1541

Related to ON

Synonyms: alive, functional, functioning, going, live, living, active, operating, operational, operative, running, working

Antonyms: broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, kaput (also kaputt), nonactivated, nonfunctional, nonfunctioning, nonoperating, nonoperational, nonoperative

Related Words: effective, effectual; employable, operable, usable (also useable), viable, workable; performing, producing, productive, serving, useful, yielding; astir, bustling, busy, dynamic, flourishing, humming, roaring, thriving

Near Antonyms: deactivated, decommissioned; ineffective, ineffectual, useless; inoperable, unusable, unworkable; arrested, asleep, dormant, fallow, idle, inert, latent, lifeless, nonproductive, quiescent, sleepy, stagnating, unproductive, vegetating

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