get on

verb

got on; got on or gotten on; getting on; gets on
Synonyms of get onnext

intransitive verb

1
: get along
was getting on in years
got on well with the boss
get on with the game
2
: to gain knowledge or understanding
got on to the racket

transitive verb

1
: to produce an unfortunate effect on : upset
the noise got on my nerves
2
: to criticize insistently
the fans got on him for losing the game

Examples of get on in a Sentence

despite his new job's low pay, he was still getting on find out how the marketing department is getting on with the new ad campaign
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.
After the toasts, Pugh couldn’t help but get on bended knee to play with the other star of the evening, Plimpton’s service dog Rocky. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026 Service providers acknowledge that transitional housing is a good option for some people, such as those getting on their feet after evictions. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 The Sooners got on the scoreboard in the third quarter when Mateer connected with tight end Rocky Beers on a 17-yard touchdown five plays after Stockton threw his first interception of the season. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026 The Montana Grizzlies scored 31 unanswered points Saturday against UC Davis before the Aggies got on the board just before halftime at UC Davis Health Stadium. — Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for get on

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get on was in 1805

Cite this Entry

“Get on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20on. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

get on

verb
1
: get along sense 3
they got on well
2
: to start dealing with
I'll get on it right away
3
: to criticize (someone) repeatedly
4
: to grow old
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