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

Roses and a soft orange nod to the way light catches on its facades. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026

Allen is also remembered for tripping opponents three times in a calendar year, all of them caught on tape. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026

The exchange that occurred Monday was caught on camera and sparked outrage on social media this week. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

And just two months ago, San Francisco Giants executive Buster Posey trolled radio station KNBR on-air after a behind-the-scenes employee was caught on a hot mic talking trash about him. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 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