catch on

verb

caught on; catching on; catches on
Synonyms of catch onnext

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.
Any small and forgettable moment caught on camera, a cutaway shot shown on a national broadcast, can live on as a GIF. Candace Buckner, New York Times, 4 May 2026 The moment was caught on camera by dozens of confused photographers, quickly becoming a viral moment. Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 One person was taken to a hospital after an e-bike caught on fire inside a room in San Francisco on Saturday night, firefighters said. Brandon Downs, CBS News, 3 May 2026 Incidents, many caught on video, include shootings, beatings, arson, land destruction, livestock theft and intimidation. Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026 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

Cite this Entry

“Catch on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20on. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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

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