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

Then there’s the bodywork; in the 1960s, Lola used fiberglass, as carbon fiber hadn’t yet caught on. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026

Also unlike Markey, Moulton was caught on camera last month hitting the phone out of a person’s hands who had asked him if would offer Platner his endorsement. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026

The Granite Oaks Middle School teacher who was caught on video urinating into a container in his classroom before students arrived in February still remains employed by the school district, according to public records obtained by The Sacramento Bee. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

Now, his competition has caught on to the value of signing on an eclectic host of talents, no matter their level of fame, to curate a certain aura around a brand. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 6 July 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