catch on

verb

caught on; catching on; catches on

intransitive verb

1
: to become aware : learn
also : understand
didn't catch on to what was going on
2
: to become popular
this idea has already caught on

Examples of catch on in a Sentence

she caught on to the fact that they were planning a surprise party he finally caught on to the concept of phototaxis
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.
As a result of the collision, the vehicle caught on fire. Elainie Barraza, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024 Few hit men would likely stop to pick up breakfast and be caught on camera. Peter Suciu, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 The suspect -- who was caught on surveillance cameras before, during and immediately after the shooting -- had been lying in wait near the hotel. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Her videos quickly caught on and other women who had breast cancer started reaching out to her offering support and words of wisdom. Julia Ries, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for catch on 

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch on was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near catch on

Cite this Entry

“Catch on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20on. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

catch on

verb
1
: to realize something
they had been teasing me, and I never caught on
2
: to become popular
will the new style catch on

More from Merriam-Webster on catch on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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