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

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.
Ecklund’s case is one of dozens caught on camera and reviewed by CNN where officers claimed that following federal agents, honking horns or blowing whistles violated the law. Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026 This narrative caught on like wildfire. Christopher Marquis, Time, 18 Feb. 2026 The tacos caught on, with players and other attendees asking to purchase them. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 At least part of the shooting was caught on building surveillance cameras, the building owner, who would only identify himself as Sam, said. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 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

Cite this Entry

“Catch on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20on. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on catch on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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