on
Used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position
The book is on the table.
كتاب روى ميز است.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
on
preposition, adverb
1 used for showing where something is:
Your book is on the table.
The number is on the door.
There is a good film on TV tonight.
I've got a cut on my hand.
2 used for showing when:
My birthday is on 6 May.
I'll see you on Monday.
Look at Study Page S8.
3 used with ways of travelling and types of travel:
He got on the train.
I came here on foot (= walking).
4 used for showing that somebody or something continues:
You can't stop here – drive on.
5 working; being used:
All the lights were on.
opposite off
6 using something:
I bought it on the Internet.
I was on the phone to Jania.
He saw it on TV.
7 about:
a book on cars
8 covering your body:
Put your coat on.
9 happening:
What's on at the cinema?
10 when something happens:
She telephoned me on her return from New York.
on and on without stopping:
He went (= talked) on and on about his girlfriend.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
on
I. on1 S1 W1 /ɒn $ ɑːn, ɒːn/ BrE AmE preposition
[Language: Old English]
1. ON A SURFACE
a) touching a surface or being supported by a surface:
Leave your things on the table over there.
People were sunbathing on the grass.
The little girl was sitting on her father’s shoulders.
b) used to say that someone or something moves so that they are then touching or supported by a surface:
snow falling on the mountainsides
He threw himself on the bed.
2. SUPPORTING YOUR BODY used to say what part of someone’s body is touching the ground or another surface and supporting their weight:
She was on her feet in no time.
He was on his hands and knees searching for something.
Can you stand on your head?
3. PART HIT/TOUCHED used to say what part of someone or something is hit or touched:
I wanted to punch him on the nose.
Matt kissed her on the cheek.
4. WRITTEN/SHOWN used to say where something is written or shown:
There’s a diagram on page 25.
He wrote his phone number on a piece of paper.
5. ATTACHED attached to or hanging from something:
She hung her coat on a hook.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
6. PLACE in a particular place:
The town is right on the border.
Is there a water supply on the island?
He grew up on a ranch in California.
a store on Fifth Avenue
7. POSITION in a particular position in relation to something else:
You’ll see the school on your left.
They live on the opposite side of the town.
8. LOOKING/POINTING looking or pointing towards something or someone:
His eyes were on the stranger standing in the doorway.
She trained her binoculars on the house.
9. DAY/DATE during a particular day:
They’ll be here on Tuesday.
I was born on July 1st.
We’ll see you on Christmas Eve.
GRAMMAR
Do not use on before 'this', 'last', or 'next' and a day of the week:
▪ The school reopened last Tuesday (NOT on last Tuesday).
10. AFFECTING/RELATING TO affecting or relating to someone or something:
a tax on cigarettes
his influence on young people
There will be new restrictions on the sale of weapons.
What effect will these changes have on the tourist industry?
11. ABOUT about a particular subject:
Do you have any books on India?
You can get information on local services by calling this number.
an international conference on global warming
12. ORDERS/ADVICE as a result of someone’s order, request, or advice:
He was killed on the King’s orders.
I accepted the offer on the advice of my lawyer.
13. EAT/DRINK used to talk about what someone usually eats or drinks:
They live mainly on beans, lentils, and rice.
Is your baby on solid food yet?
14. TRANSPORT
a) in or into a bus, train, plane etc OPP off:
Did you manage to sleep on the plane?
Tommy should be on the six o'clock train.
She got on the first bus that came along.
b) riding something:
a statue of the King on horseback
I’ll probably come on my bike.
15. MONEY receiving money for a job or as a regular payment:
He’s on quite a good salary now.
She must be on at least £50,000 a year.
the difficulties faced by families on low incomes
16. FUEL using a particular type of ↑fuel or power:
Most buses run on diesel.
Does it work on mains electricity?
17. MEDICINE/DRUGS taking a particular drug or medicine regularly OPP off:
Are you still on antibiotics?
The doctor put her on Prozac.
A lot of these kids are on heroin by the age of 12.
18. what’s somebody on? spoken used to say that someone is behaving in a very strange way, as if they are taking an illegal drug
19. USING EQUIPMENT using a machine or piece of equipment:
He’s been on the computer all afternoon.
Is Rachel still on the phone?
20. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS playing a musical instrument:
He played a short piece on the piano.
The album features Rick Wakeman on keyboards.
21. RADIO/TELEVISION being broadcast by radio or television:
What’s on TV tonight?
Did you hear that programme on the radio last night?
22. RECORDED used to say in what form information is stored or music, films etc are recorded:
The movie is now available on video and DVD.
I always keep a backup copy on disk.
23. ACTIVITY/JOURNEY taking part in an activity or travelling somewhere:
She’s on a course all this week.
I met him on vacation in Canada.
My girlfriend is often away on business trips.
24. INCLUDED included in a group or team of people or in a list:
Are you still on the management committee?
Mr Edwards is no longer on the staff here.
Whose team are you on?
There was no steak on the menu.
What’s the next item on the agenda?
25. WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS formal as soon as someone has done something or as soon as something has happened:
Couples are presented with a bottle of wine on their arrival at the hotel.
All patients are examined on admission to the hospital.
on doing something
What was your reaction on seeing him?
26. COMPARED WITH SOMETHING compared with another person or thing:
This essay is a definite improvement on your last one.
Sales are 10% up on last year.
27. CARRYING SOMETHING informal if you have something on you, you have it in your pocket, your bag etc:
I don’t have any money on me.
28. PAY be on somebody spoken used to say who is going to pay for something:
The drinks are on me!
Each table will get a bottle of champagne on the house (=paid for by the restaurant, hotel etc).
29. TELEPHONE NUMBER used to say what number you should use in order to telephone someone SYN at American English:
You can contact me on this number.
30. CAUSING SOMEBODY PROBLEMS used when something bad happens to you, for example when something you are using suddenly stops working, or someone you have a relationship with suddenly leaves you:
Suddenly the telephone went dead on me.
Dorothy’s first husband walked out on her.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ about used when saying what the subject of something is: She’s always talking about you. | In her novels she writes about life in South Africa. | There’s something I wanted to ask you about.
▪ on about a particular subject: a book on English grammar | a report on poverty in rural areas
▪ concerning/regarding formal about: Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future. | The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.
▪ with regard to formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something: Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.
▪ re used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about: Re: Friday’s meeting
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
on
on preposition, adverb [ɒn] [ɑːn] [ɔːn]
preposition For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example turn on sb is in the phrasal verb section at turn.
1. in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface
• a picture on a wall
• There's a mark on your skirt.
• the diagram on page 5
• Put it down on the table.
• He had been hit on the head.
• She climbed on to the bed. This could also be written
• onto the bed
2. supported by sb/sth
• She was standing on one foot.
• Try lying on your back.
• Hang your coat on that hook.
3. used to show a means of transport
• He was on the plane from New York.
• to travel on the bus/tube/coach
• I came on my bike.
• a woman on horseback
4. used to show a day or date
• He came on Sunday.
• We meet on Tuesdays.
• on May the first/the first of May
• on the evening of May the first
• on one occasion
• on your birthday
5. immediately after sth
• On arriving home I discovered they had gone.
• Please report to reception on arrival.
• There was a letter waiting for him on his return.
6. about sth/sb
• a book on South Africa
• She tested us on irregular verbs.
7. being carried by sb; in the possession of sb
• Have you got any money on you?
8. used to show that sb belongs to a group or an organization
• to be on the committee/staff/jury/panel
• Whose side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support)?
9. eating or drinking sth; using a drug or a medicine regularly
• He lived on a diet of junk food.
• The doctor put me on antibiotics.
10. used to show direction
• on the left/right
• He turned his back on us.
11. at or near a place
• a town on the coast
• a house on the Thames
• We lived on an estate.
12. used to show the basis or reason for sth
• a story based on fact
• On their advice I applied for the job.
13. paid for by sth
• to live on a pension/a student grant
• to be on a low wage
• You can't feed a family on £50 a week.
• Drinks are on me (= I am paying).
14. by means of sth; using sth
• She played a tune on her guitar.
• The information is available on the Internet.
• We spoke on the phone.
• What's on TV?
• The programme's on Channel 4.
15. used with some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by sth
• a ban on smoking
• He's hard on his kids.
• Go easy on the mayo! (= do not take / give me too much)
16. compared with sb/sth
• Sales are up on last year.
17. used to describe an activity or a state
• to be on business/holiday/vacation
• The book is currently on loan.
18. used when giving a telephone number
• You can get me on 020 7946 0887.
• She's on extension 2401.
Word Origin:
Old English on, an, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch aan and German an, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek ana.
Idioms: it isn't on ▪ on about something ▪ on and on ▪ on at somebody ▪ on for something ▪ what are you on? ▪ you're on
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (ABOVE)
A1 used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position:
Look at all the books on your desk!
Ow, you're standing on my foot!
Your suitcase is on top of the wardrobe.
They live in that old farmhouse on the hill.
I got on my bike and left.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (CONNECTED)
A1 covering the surface of, being held by, or connected to something:
You've got blood on your shirt.
Which finger do you wear your ring on?
Can you stand on your head?
We could hang this picture on the wall next to the door.
Dogs should be kept on their leads at all times.
UK We've just moved house and we're not on the phone (= not connected to the phone service) yet.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TIME)
A1 used to show when something happens:
Many shops don't open on Sundays.
What are you doing on Friday?
My birthday's on 30 May .
Would you mind telling me what you were doing on the afternoon of Friday the 13th of March?
Trains to London leave on the hour (= at exactly one o'clock, two o'clock, etc.) .
On a clear day you can see the mountains from here.
She was dead on arrival (= dead when she arrived) at the hospital.
Please hand in your keys at reception on your departure from (= when you leave) the hotel.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (WRITING)
A2 used to show where something has been written, printed, or drawn:
Which page is that curry recipe on?
His initials were engraved on the back of his watch.
What's on the menu tonight? (= What food is available?)
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TRAVEL)
A2 used for showing some methods of travelling:
I love travelling on trains.
She'll be arriving on the 5.30 train.
We went to France on the ferry.
It'd be quicker to get there on foot .
two figures on horseback
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (PROCESS)
used to show that a condition or process is being experienced:
He accidentally set his bed on fire .
Their flights to Paris are on special offer at the moment.
Martin's on holiday this week.
I'll be away on a training course next week.
I often feel carsick when I'm on a long journey.
Crime is on the increase (= is increasing) again.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (RECORDING)
A2 used to show the form in which something is recorded or performed:
How much data can you store on the disk?
When's the movie coming out on DVD?
I was really embarrassed the first time I saw myself on film.
What's on television tonight?
I wish there was more jazz on the radio.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (PAIN)
B2 used to show what causes pain or injury as a result of being touched:
I hit my head on the shelf as I was standing up.
You'll cut yourself on that knife if you're not careful.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TO)
A2 to or towards:
Our house is the first on the left after the post office.
The attack on the village lasted all night.
I wish you wouldn't creep up on me like that!
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (RELATING)
B1 relating to:
a book on pregnancy
Her thesis is on Italian women's literature.
The minister has refused to comment on the allegations.
Criticism has no effect on him.
Have the police got anything on you (= have they got any information about you that can be used against you) ?
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (MONEY)
A2 used to show something for which a payment is made:
He spent £80 on a hat.
I've wasted a lot of money on this car.
We made a big profit on that deal.
How much interest are you paying on the loan?
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (NECESSARY)
used to show a person or thing that is necessary for something to happen or that is the origin of something:
We're relying on you.
I might come - it depends on Andrew.
Most children remain dependent on their parents while at university.
His latest movie is based on a fairy story.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (INVOLVEMENT)
used to show when someone is involved or taking part in something:
I'm working on a new book.
In the last lesson we were on the causes of the First World War, weren't we?
"Where had we got up to?" "We were on page 42."
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
used to show what is providing financial support or an income:
I've only got £50 a week to live on at the moment.
He retired on a generous pension from the company.
UK She's on (= earning) £25,000 a year.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FOOD/FUEL/DRUG)
B2 used to show something that is used as food, fuel, or a drug:
What do mice live on?
Does this radio run on batteries?
Is he on drugs?
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (NEXT TO)
B1 next to or along the side of:
Cambridge is on the River Cam.
Our house was on Sturton Street.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (MEMBER)
C1 used to show when someone is a member of a group or organization:
Have you ever served on a jury?
There are no women on the committee.
How many people are on your staff?
She's a researcher on a women's magazine.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (TOOL)
B1 used when referring to a tool, instrument, or system that is used to do something:
I do all my household accounts on computer.
Chris is on drums and Mike's on bass guitar.
I'm on (= talking on) the phone.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition literary (AGAIN)
used to show when something is repeated one or more times:
The government suffered defeat on defeat in the local elections.
Wave on wave of refugees has crossed the border to escape the fighting.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (COMPARISON)
used when making a comparison:
£950 is my final offer, and I can't improve on it.
The productivity figures are down/up on last week's.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition [ before pronoun ] (POSSESSION)
C2 used to show when someone has something with them in their pocket or in a bag that they are carrying:
Have you got a spare pen on you?
I haven't got my driving licence on me.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (AFTER)
happening after and usually because of:
Acting on information given to them anonymously, the police arrested him.
He inherited a quarter of a million pounds on his mother's death.
On their return they discovered that their house had been burgled.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition informal (PAYMENT)
used to show who is paying for something:
This meal is on me.
She had her operation done on the National Health Service.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition (FAULTY)
used to show who suffers when something does not operate as it should:
The phone suddenly went dead on me.
Their car broke down on them in the middle of the motorway.
on / ɒn / / ɑːn / preposition UK (POINTS)
used to show the number of points a person or team has in a competition:
Clive's team is on five points while Joan's is on seven.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
on
The preposition is pronounced /ɒn/. The adverb and the adjective are pronounced /ɒn/.
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'on' is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. 'On' is also used in phrasal verbs such as ‘keep on’, ‘cotton on’, and ‘sign on’.
1.
If someone or something is on a surface or object, the surface or object is immediately below them and is supporting their weight.
He is sitting beside her on the sofa...
On top of the cupboards are vast straw baskets which Pat uses for dried flower arrangements...
On the table were dishes piled high with sweets...
PREP
2.
If something is on a surface or object, it is stuck to it or attached to it.
I admired the peeling paint on the ceiling...
The clock on the wall showed one minute to twelve...
There was a smear of gravy on his chin.
PREP
•
On is also an adverb.
I know how to darn, and how to sew a button on.
ADV: ADV after v
3.
If you put, throw, or drop something on a surface, you move it or drop it so that it is then supported by the surface.
He got his winter jacket from the closet and dropped it on the sofa...
He threw a folded dollar on the counter.
= onto
PREP
4.
You use on to say what part of your body is supporting your weight.
He continued to lie on his back and look at clouds...
He raised himself on his elbows, squinting into the sun...
She was on her hands and knees in the bathroom.
PREP
5.
You use on to say that someone or something touches a part of a person’s body.
He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth...
His jaw was broken after he was hit on the head.
PREP
6.
If someone has a particular expression on their face, their face has that expression.
The maid looked at him, a nervous smile on her face...
She looked at him with a hurt expression on her face.
PREP: n PREP n
7.
When you put a piece of clothing on, you place it over part of your body in order to wear it. If you have it on, you are wearing it.
He put his coat on while she opened the front door...
I had a hat on.
ADV: ADV after v
8.
You can say that you have something on you if you are carrying it in your pocket or in a bag.
I didn’t have any money on me...
PREP: PREP pron
9.
If someone’s eyes are on you, they are looking or staring at you.
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on him...
It’s as if all eyes are focused on me...
PREP
10.
If you hurt yourself on something, you accidentally hit a part of your body against it and that thing causes damage to you.
Mr Pendle hit his head on a wall as he fell...
PREP
11.
If you are on an area of land, you are there.
You lived on the farm until you came back to America?
...a tall tree on a mountain.
PREP
12.
If something is situated on a place such as a road or coast, it forms part of it or is by the side of it.
Bergdorf Goodman has opened a men’s store on Fifth Avenue...
The hotel is on the coast...
He visited relatives at their summer house on the river.
PREP
13.
If you get on a bus, train, or plane, you go into it in order to travel somewhere. If you are on it, you are travelling in it.
We waited till twelve and we finally got on the plane...
I never go on the bus into the town...
PREP
•
On is also an adverb.
He showed his ticket to the conductor and got on.
ADV: ADV after v
14.
If there is something on a piece of paper, it has been written or printed there.
The writing on the back of the card was cramped but scrupulously neat...
The numbers she put on the chart were 98.4, 64, and 105...
PREP
15.
If something is on a list, it is included in it.
The Queen now doesn’t even appear on the list of the 40 richest people in Britain.
...the range of topics on the agenda for their talks.
PREP
16.
Books, discussions, or ideas on a particular subject are concerned with that subject.
They offer a free counselling service which can offer help and advice on legal matters...
He declined to give any information on the Presidential election...
PREP
17.
You use on to introduce the method, principle, or system which is used to do something.
...a television that we bought on credit two months ago.
...a levelling system which acts on the same principle as a spirit level...
They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis.
PREP
18.
If something is done on an instrument or a machine, it is done using that instrument or machine.
...songs that I could just sit down and play on the piano...
I could do all my work on the computer...
PREP
19.
If information is, for example, on tape or on computer, that is the way that it is stored.
‘I thought it was a load of rubbish.’—‘Right we’ve got that on tape.’...
Descriptions of the pieces have been logged on computer by the Art Loss Register...
PREP
20.
If something is being broadcast, you can say that it is on the radio or television.
Every sporting event on television and satellite over the next seven days is listed...
Here, listen, they’re talking about it on Radio-Paris right now.
PREP
•
On is also an adjective.
...teenagers complaining there’s nothing good on.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
21.
When an activity is taking place, you can say that it is on.
There’s a marvellous match on at Wimbledon at the moment...
We in Berlin hardly knew a war was on during the early part of 1941.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
22.
You use on in expressions such as ‘have a lot on’ and ‘not have very much on’ to indicate how busy someone is. (SPOKEN)
I have a lot on in the next week.
ADV: ADV after v, amount ADV
23.
You use on to introduce an activity that someone is doing, particularly travelling.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise...
Students on the full-time course of study are usually sponsored...
PREP
24.
When something such as a machine or an electric light is on, it is functioning or in use. When you switch it on, it starts functioning.
The central heating’s been turned off. I’ve turned it on again...
The light had been left on...
He didn’t bother to switch on the light.
≠ off
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v
25.
If you are on a committee or council, you are a member of it.
Claire and Beryl were on the organizing committee...
He was on the Council of Foreign Relations.
PREP
26.
You can indicate when something happens by saying that it happens on a particular day or date.
This year’s event will take place on June 19th, a week earlier than usual...
She travels to Korea on Monday...
I was born on Christmas day...
Dr. Keen arrived about seven on Sunday morning.
PREP
27.
You use on when mentioning an event that was followed by another one.
She waited in her hotel to welcome her children on their arrival from London...
On reaching Dubai the evacuees are taken straight to Dubai international airport.
PREP: PREP n/-ing
28.
You use on to say that someone is continuing to do something.
They walked on in silence for a while...
If the examination shows your company enjoys basically good health, read on...
He happened to be in England when the war broke out and he just stayed on.
ADV: ADV after v
29.
If you say that someone goes on at you, you mean that they continually criticize you, complain to you, or ask you to do something.
She’s been on at me for weeks to show her round the stables...
He used to keep on at me about the need to win...
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v, usu ADV at n
30.
You use on in expressions such as from now on and from then on to indicate that something starts to happen at the time mentioned and continues to happen afterwards.
Perhaps it would be best not to see much of you from now on...
We can expect trouble from this moment on...
ADV: from n ADV
31.
You often use on after the adverbs ‘early’, ‘late’, ‘far’, and their comparative forms, especially at the beginning or end of a sentence, or before a preposition.
The market square is a riot of colour and animation from early on in the morning...
Later on I learned how to read music...
The pub where I had arranged to meet Nobby was a good five minutes walk further on.
ADV: adv ADV
32.
Someone who is on a drug takes it regularly.
She was on antibiotics for an eye infection that wouldn’t go away...
Many of the elderly are on medication.
PREP
33.
If you live on a particular kind of food, you eat it. If a machine runs on a particular kind of power or fuel, it uses it in order to function.
The caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, shrubs and plants...
He lived on a diet of water and tinned fish...
...making and selling vehicles that run on batteries or fuel-cells.
= off
PREP: v PREP n
34.
If you are on a particular income, that is the income that you have.
He’s on three hundred a week...
You won’t be rich as an MP, but you’ll have enough to live on.
PREP
35.
Taxes or profits that are obtained from something are referred to as taxes or profits on it.
...a general strike to protest a tax on food and medicine last week...
The Church was to receive a cut of the profits on every record sold...
PREP: n PREP n
36.
When you buy something or pay for something, you spend money on it.
I resolved not to waste money on a hotel...
He spent more on feeding the dog than he spent on feeding himself...
More money should be spent on education and housing.
PREP: PREP n/-ing
37.
When you spend time or energy on a particular activity, you spend time or energy doing it.
People complain about how children spend so much time on computer games...
...the opportunity to concentrate more time and energy on America’s domestic agenda.
PREP: PREP n/-ing
38.
If you say that something is not on or is just not on, you mean that it is unacceptable or impossible. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
We shouldn’t use the police in that way. It’s just not on.
PHRASE: v-link PHR
39.
If you say that something happens on and on, you mean that it continues to happen for a very long time.
...designers, builders, fitters–the list goes on and on...
Lobell drove on and on through the dense and blowing snow.
...a desert of ice stretching on and on.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v
40.
If you ask someone what they are on about or what they are going on about, you are puzzled because you cannot understand what they are talking about. (BRIT INFORMAL)
What on earth are you going on about?...
Honest, Kate, I don’t know what you’re on about.
PHRASE: V inflects
41.
If you say that someone knows what they are on about, you are confident that what they are saying is true or makes sense, for example because they are an expert. (BRIT INFORMAL)
It looks like he knows what he’s on about.
PHRASE: Vs inflect
42.
If someone has something on you, they have evidence that you have done something wrong or bad. If they have nothing on you, they cannot prove that you have done anything wrong or bad. (INFORMAL)
He may have something on her. He may have supplied her with drugs, and then threatened to tell if she didn’t do this...
You’ve got nothing on me and you know it. Your theory would never stand up in a court of law.
PHRASE: V inflects
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1on /ˈɑːn/ prep
1 a : touching and being supported by the top surface of (something)
• The book is (lying) on the table.
• There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
b : to a position that is supported by (something)
• You can get on [=onto] the horse as soon as we've put the saddle on it.
• I climbed out on [=onto] the roof.
c
- used to indicate the part or object by which someone or something is supported
• How long can you stand on one foot?
• He stood on the stool.
• He was on his hands and knees looking for her earring.
2
- used to say that something is attached to something
• He hung the painting on the wall.
• Apples hung on the branches.
3
- used to indicate where someone or something is hit or touched
• I bumped my head on a low branch.
• He slapped me on the hand.
• She kissed him on the cheek.
4 a
- used to indicate the surface or part where something is seen or located
• There are marks on the wall.
• I have a cut on my finger.
b
- used to say that something (such as jewelry) is being worn by someone
• the ring on her finger
5 : near or close to (something or someone)
• a village on [=by] the sea
6
- used to indicate the location or position of something or someone
• Our house is on the left.
• There is a garden on the side of the house.
• We saw cows and chickens on the farm.
• He lives on Main Street.
• on page 102 in/of the book
• Which side is it on?
7
- used to indicate the time when something happened or will happen
• We met on July 24th.
• On my way home [=while I was going home], I saw a car accident.
• (formal) On the morning of July 24th, the suspect left his house at 8:15 a.m.
• I would like the report on or before July 24th.
• The TV station gives news every hour on the hour. [=at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, etc.]
• The project was finished on schedule/time. [=when it was supposed to be finished]
8 : immediately after (something)
• What was your first reaction on hearing the news? [=when you heard the news]
• You'll be required to pay on delivery of the package. [=when the package is delivered]
9
- used to indicate the subject of something
• a book on [=about] North American birds
• a discussion on current events
• Let's reflect on [=upon] the poem for a moment.
• a test on parts of speech
10 a
- used to indicate the device or instrument that is used to do something
• He played a couple songs on the piano.
• He cut his foot on a piece of broken glass.
b
- used to say that someone is using a telephone, computer, etc.
• They talked on the phone for hours.
• She was on the phone when I went to her office.
• He has been on the computer all night.
c
- used to describe the device, system, etc., that is used for seeing something, hearing something, etc.
• It's the best show on television.
• I heard that song on the radio.
• the display on the computer screen
• a Web site on the Internet
• I have the movie on DVD.
11
- used to indicate a source of something (such as money, food, information, or energy)
• She lives on a small salary.
• The family lives on welfare.
• They make their living on [=off] tourism.
• They profited on [=from] the sale of the house.
• The animal feeds on insects.
• I lived on cereal [=I ate a lot of cereal regularly] in my college years.
• The machine runs on diesel fuel.
• The story is based on fact.
12
- used to indicate the vehicle or animal by which someone or something is moved from one place to another
• I sometimes go to work on a bus. [=I sometimes take a bus to get to work]
• Have you ever ridden on a horse?
13
- used to say that you have something in your possession at a particular time
• I only have $10 on me.
• He had a knife on him.
14
- used to indicate the state of something
• The house is on fire!
• House sales are on the rise. [=are rising]
• All shoes are on sale.
15
- used to indicate an activity that someone did or is now doing
• She did well on the exam/test.
• The band is currently on tour.
• He is off/away on a trip/vacation.
• She is on a diet.
• The officers are on duty.
16
- used to indicate something (such as a medicine or drug) that a person or animal is using
• He used to be on drugs, but he's off them now.
• (informal) What (drugs) is she on?
• They put the dog on antibiotics.
17
- used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for something
• The drinks are on me. [=I will pay for the drinks]
• They blamed it on me. [=they said it was my fault]
18 a
- used to indicate the person or thing that something is directed toward
• The deadline was creeping up on us. [=the deadline was getting closer]
• an attack on religion
• He is working on [=at] his skiing.
• They are still working on the problem.
• They made a down payment on the house.
• He pulled a gun on me.
• He turned his back on her and walked away.
• a ban on smoking
• Her eyes were on the road. [=she was watching the road]
b
- used to say that someone has been affected by something
• The crops died on them.
• Her husband walked out on her.
19
- used after an adjective to indicate the thing that a statement relates to
• I am short on cash. [=I don't have much cash]
• Opinions are divided on this issue.
• (Brit) Sales are up on last year's but down on those of previous years.
20 : as stated or shown by (someone or something)
• I have it on good authority [=a trustworthy person has told me] that the company will be relocating.
• (Brit) On [=according to] these estimates, we'll be out of debt soon.
21
- used to indicate that someone or something is included as part of a team, list, etc.
• She served on the jury/committee/board.
• He is on the team.
• That dish is no longer on the menu.
• His name was on the list.
22
- used to say that someone or something has an advantage
• She has three inches in height on me. [=she is three inches taller than I am]
• The team has a 3-game lead on last year's champions.
• She is very talented but has nothing on [=has no advantage over] her brother who is an even better singer.
23 chiefly US
- used to say that someone is playing or performing well
• He is on his game. [=he is playing very well]
on about Brit informal + disapproving : talking about
• I haven't a clue what you're on about!
• She is always on about the importance of exercise.
on at Brit informal
1 : asking (someone) for something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• She is always on at him for money.
2 : asking or telling (someone) to do something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• Mummy's always on at me about cleaning up my room!
on it : actively dealing with a problem, job, etc.
• “We need to get this paperwork done.” “Don't worry; I'm on it.” [=I am taking care of it]
