on

preposition

\ ˈȯn

, ˈän\

Definition of on

(Entry 1 of 7)

1a —used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of the book is lying on the table

b —used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface the fly landed on the ceilingI have a cut on my fingerpaint on the wall

c —used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with a village on the seastay on your opponent

d —used as a function word to indicate the location of something on the lefton the south side of the houseon the farm

2a —used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support on a stringstand on one foothang it on a nail

b —used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence you can rely on mefeeds on insectslives on a pension

c —used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance on the bus

d —used as a function word to indicate presence in the possession of had a knife on him

3 —used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place a parade on Sunday or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done on cueon arriving home, I found your letternews on the hourcash on delivery

4 archaic : of

5a —used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something —often used with the on the slykeep everything on the up-and-up

b —used as a function word to indicate means or agency cut myself on a knifetalk on the telephone

c —used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression on stagebest show on television

6a(1) —used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status on the increaseon the lookout

(2) : regularly using or showing the effects of using on drugs

b —used as a function word to indicate involvement or participation on touron the teamon duty

c —used as a function word to indicate inclusion put it on the agenda

d —used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective on schedule

7a —used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation) I have it on good authorityon one conditionthe interest will be 10 cents on the dollar

b —used as a function word to indicate the cause or source profited on the sale of stock

c —used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility drinks are on the houseput the blame on me

8a —used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action bumped my head on a limban attack on religionpulled a gun on me

b —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment has three inches in height on mea 3-game lead on the second-place teamthe joke's on me

9a —used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort crept up on himfeast your eyes on thisworking on my skiingmade a payment on the loan

b —used as a function word to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will have pity on mekeen on sportsa curse on you

c —used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some misfortune or disadvantageous event the crops died on them

d —used as a function word to indicate the subject of study, discussion, or consideration a book on insectsreflect on that a momentagree on price

e : with respect to go light on the salt short on cash

10 —used as a function word to indicate reduplication or succession in a series loss on losstrouble on trouble

adverb

Definition of on (Entry 2 of 7)

1a : in or into a position of contact with an upper surface especially so as to be positioned for use or operation put the plates on

b : in or into a position of being attached to or covering a surface especially : in or into the condition of being worn put his new shoes on

2a : forward or at a more advanced point in space or time went on home later on

b : in continuance or succession rambled on and so on

3 : into operation or a position permitting operation switched the light on

on

Definition of on

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