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

Running free during a game of catch on the empty field at SoFi Stadium is a fantasy most Angelenos will never experience. —Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Deadliest Catch star Trey John Green III says that his costar Todd Meadows' death was caught on camera. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026

The series will follow moments caught on camera of officers and their K9 partners facing calls, told through footage from surveillance cameras, body and dash cams and drones. —Peter White, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026

Maryland woman, Shannon Gough, is facing charges in three counties after a string of home break-ins, some of which were caught on camera. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 4 Mar. 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