on
preposition
\ ˈȯn
, ˈän\
, 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
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
on
adverbDefinition 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