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.
The Dodgers’ offense managed just five hits against Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez, and were robbed of two by center fielder Jorge Barrosa, who made diving catches on line drives hit by Will Smith and Andy Pages. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 His essay consisted of an inventory of the trout he’d caught on a trip with his grandfather. Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Incident was caught on camera Video obtained by CBS News New York shows at least seven men descending underground through a manhole on McDonald Avenue and Colin Lane in Flatbush late Thursday night. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 1 June 2026 While tossing old mementos into a fireplace, Long catches on fire in a wild slapstick sequence. Rolling Stone, 1 June 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 5 Jun. 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

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