on - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

in contact with and upheld by a surface

If you are cold the blanket is on the bed.
The plates are on the table.
He placed the keys on the counter.
The cat slept on the windowsill.
Books were stacked on the floor.

Synonyms:

atop

used to indicate something is attached or held by means of something else

The ornament hung on a hook.
Keys dangle on a chain.
Pictures were hung on the wall.
The swing was tied on a branch.
The hat sat perched on a rack.

in the possession of someone

He had no money on him.
She kept a flashlight on her.
There was a note on me.
They found keys on the driver.
I always carry an ID on me.

Synonyms:

with

relating to or about a particular subject

She wrote a book on medieval history.
We had a debate on climate change.
The article focuses on nutrition.
He gave a lecture on physics.
We agreed on the terms.

Synonyms:

touching (in|with) relation to (with|in) regard to before over after concerning about with respect to regarding

used to show something is caused by or resulted from something

He succeeded on pure determination.
She failed on a technicality.
He capitalized on the opportunity.
The case was dismissed on a legal loophole.
He was released on bail.

used to indicate that something is included as part of a group, category, or set

She served on the jury.
He's on the committee.
They voted while on the council.
I worked on the planning board.
She sits on multiple panels.

used to indicate the object of an action, attack, effort, or collision

The general launched a surprise attack on the fortress at dawn.
She pulled a prank on her classmates during the trip.
The team concentrated their efforts on improving the defense.
The soldiers pulled their weapons on the civilians.
The dog suddenly lunged on the stranger.

Synonyms:

against

used to specify the medium for transmitting, recording, or storing information

I jotted the idea down quickly on a scrap of paper.
They recorded the whole concert on tape.
How much music can you store on this MP3 player?
He loves to watch old movies on DVD.
I felt embarrassed when I saw myself on camera.

in the course of a journey or while progressing toward a destination

He was on his way to the library when I saw him.
On his travels through Asia, he learned three new languages.
She got a flat tire on her way to work.
They stopped for lunch on their road trip to California.
I'll call you when I'm on my way home.

used to show a day or date

We celebrated her promotion on New Year's Eve.
The museum opens on May 1st.
She gave birth on Christmas Day.
The soccer match is on Sunday.
We celebrate Christmas on December 25th.

used to express involvement, participation, or engagement in a particular activity or task

He's on a mission to complete the project.
They're on a quest for new opportunities.
She was out on errands when I called.
The sales team is on a training program this month.
We caught him on duty at the hospital.

used to indicate regularly taking a drug or medicine

He is on antibiotics for his infection.
She was on blood pressure medication for years.
The patient is on a new asthma inhaler.
I am currently on painkillers after surgery.
They put her on insulin after her diagnosis.

used to indicate the focus of obligation, blame, or responsibility

You can put the blame on me for the mistake.
The success of this project rests on the whole team.
Responsibility for the delay is on the contractor.
It's on the management to resolve the issues.
Don't put this burden on yourself alone.

used to show something for which a payment is made

I spent $40 on groceries today.
He wasted a fortune on gambling.
They made a down payment on their new house.
She spent too much money on clothes.
I paid $35 on that vase.

Synonyms:

for

used to indicate reduplication or succession in a series

He suffered loss on loss after the fire.
They encountered setback on setback during the project.
It was trouble on trouble for that poor family.
The team faced defeat on defeat before finally winning.
Disaster on disaster followed them during the journey.

Synonyms:

after

used to indicate manner of doing something, often followed by "the"

They discussed the deal on the sly.
Please keep everything on the up-and-up.
She left town on the quiet.
The information spread quickly on the grapevine.
We met on the spur of the moment.

used to indicate the instrument used to perform an action

He cut himself on a broken glass.
I contacted her on the phone.
I track my expenses on my laptop.
He performed brilliantly on the guitar.
They made their debut on the drums.

Synonyms:

used to say what number to call to contact someone

You can reach me on 555-0199.
Call me on my office line tomorrow.
I'll be available on my mobile all day.
Contact customer service on this toll-free number.
I'll text you on your new number.

used to show that someone is taking time away from regular duties or routines

They’re on holiday for the next two weeks.
She’s on vacation and will be back next month.
He’s on leave because of family reasons.
The students are on a break until Monday.
My colleague is on sick leave this week.

used to make a comparison with someone or something else

Sales are up on last year's figures.
His performance improved on his last tournament.
Profits dropped on the previous quarter.
Our earnings are higher on a year-to-year basis.
This model is lighter on weight than the old one.

used to show the number of points a person or team has in a competition

Our team is on five points after three games.
She is on seven points, leading the group.
They are currently on three points in the standings.
He stayed on ten points after a poor performance.
The red team is still on zero points.