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

Synonyms of catch on

• realize
• discover
• see
• get on (to)
• hear
• learn

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

The blame, almost certainly, at least partially, belongs to the unconscionable entity caught on camera, gussied up like an ICE agent or a soldier on loan from a private military contractor. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026

Wayne State Chief of Police Anthony Holt says the electrical fire began on the 11th floor on a platform outside of the building, and that an air handling unit is believed to have caught on fire. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

All lanes of Interstate 264 West are blocked after a semi-truck caught on fire, according to TRIMARC. —Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026

The hooks on her legs catch on the threads of a sock. —María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catch on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

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