To save this word, you'll need to log in.
\ ˈkəm-ˌȯn 
, -ˌän\
, -ˌän\Definition of come-on
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : something (such as an advertising promotion) intended to entice or allure
2 : a usually sexual advance
come on
verbcame on; come on; coming on; comes on
Definition of come on (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : to advance by degrees
darkness came on
b : to begin by degrees
rain came on toward noon
2a : please —used in cajoling or pleading
b —used interjectionally to express astonishment, incredulity, or recognition of a put-on
3 : to project an indicated personal image
comes on as a conservative
4 : to show sexual interest in someone also : to make sexual advances —usually used with to tried to come on to her
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for come-on
come-on
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of come-on
informal : something that a person says or does to try to start a sexual relationship with someone
: something that is done to get customers for a business
See the full definition for come-on in the English Language Learners Dictionary
come on
intransitive verbLegal Definition of come on
: to be brought forward (as a case in court)
the first prize case of the war…came on for trial— W. G. Young
Comments on come-on
What made you want to look up come-on? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
- Name these cookies!
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Name that Food Quiz
Test your knowledge of food and food words.
Take the quiz - Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share come-on
Time Traveler for come-on
The first known use of come-on was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century