on

  • preposition 1 in contact with and supported by (a surface). 2 on to. 3 in the possession of. 4 forming a distinctive part of the surface of. 5 about; concerning. 6 as a member of (a committee, jury, etc.). 7 having (the thing mentioned) as a target, aim, or focus. 8 stored in or broadcast by. 9 in the course of or while travelling in. indicating the day or time when something takes place. engaged in. regularly taking (a drug or medicine). paid for by. added to.

  • adverb 1 in contact with and supported by a surface. 2 (of clothing) being worn. 3 further forward; with continued movement or action. 4 taking place or being presented. 5 (of an electrical appliance or power supply) functioning. 6 on duty or on stage.

  • noun (also on side) Cricket the leg side.

  — PHRASES be on about Brit. informal talk about tediously and at length. be on at Brit. informal nag or grumble at. be on to informal 1 be close to uncovering an illegal or undesirable activity engaged in by (someone). 2 (be on to something) have an idea that is likely to lead to an important discovery. on and on continually; at tedious length. on to moving to a location on the surface of or aboard.

  — ORIGIN Old English.

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