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.
Hunter College professor Allyson Friedman, who made racist remarks caught on a hot mic at an Upper West Side school board meeting, has been placed on leave, Hunter President Nancy Cantor said Wednesday. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026 Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2026 Indeed, Garcia-Evans, who is the team’s all-time assists leader, made a great catch on the throw by the team’s all-time points leader and then scored on a layup. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 Civil fines of $75 for drivers caught on camera exceeding the speed limit won’t kick in until spring. Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 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 27 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

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