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Added 3 October 2026

on

/ɒn/ adjective

Categories: Describing WordsEveryday Words

In Latin: in, super, suprā Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about on at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
    All the lights are on, so they must be home.
  2. Happening; taking place; being or due to be put into action.
    We had to ration our food because there was a war on.
  3. Of a person, used to express agreement to or acceptance of a proposal or challenge made by that person; most commonly with subject "you" (see you're on).
    "Five bucks says the Cavs win tonight." ―"You're on!"

adverb

  1. To an operating state.
    turn the television on
  2. So as to cover or be fitted.
    The lid wasn't screwed on properly.
  3. Along, forwards (continuing an action), onwards.
    The policeman moved the tramp on.

preposition

  1. Indicating position or location. Positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above.
    A vase of flowers stood on the table.
  2. Positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above.
    A vase of flowers stood on the table.
  3. Positioned at or resting against the outer surface of; attached to.
    He had a scar on the side of his face.

verb

  1. To switch on.
    Can you on the light?

Origin

From Middle English on, from Old English on, an (“on, upon, onto, in, into”), from Proto-West Germanic *ana, from Proto-Germanic *ana (“on, at”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂en- (“on, onto”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: bpsaddnsoourbsinbsoptisnoweapuponatoponto

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