catch on

verb

caught on; catching on; catches on

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

• realize
• discover
• see
• get on (to)
• hear
• learn

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

Galliano was previously prosecuted over incidents that took place between October 2010 and February 2011, during which the designer made antisemitic and racist remarks, some of which were caught on camera. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

The affidavit states Lewis beat Shantwoin with the branch for about 16 minutes and the incident was caught on camera. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

The Guardian’s January 2026 reporting cites Plasticana’s Gardana clogs catching on with urban shoppers. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Cheshire police said the vehicle, a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro, left the roadway, struck a tree and caught on fire. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catch on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

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