Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

gain on

phrasal verb

Definition of gain on

: to come nearer to (someone or something that is ahead in a race or competition)
  • She was still leading at the halfway point, but the other runners were gaining on her.

Word by Word Definitions

gain play

  1. : resources or advantage acquired or increased : profit

  2. : the act or process of acquiring something

  3. : an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree

  1. : to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft

  2. : to win in competition or conflict

  3. : to arrive at : reach, attain

See the full definition of gain

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up gain on? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games