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

• ascertain
• discover
• find out
• get on (to)
• hear
• learn
• realize
• see
• wise (up)

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

Americans are finally catching on to the allure, too. —Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025

It’s already caught on with the young professionals and the many nearby hospital staffers from NYU Langone, Lenox Hill and Mount Sinai who can come for a meal of small bites, pizzas, pastas or a full-scale dinner in a splendid surroundings. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Meta’s form-factor has caught on, with several other technology companies working on competitors. —Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025

While the pull chain is much easier than trying to fumble with a tiny button, the shade occasionally catches on it when closing. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 18 June 2025

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