On | Mean of on in English Dictionary

/ˈɑːn/

• touching and being supported by the top surface of (something)
1. The book is (lying) on the table.
2. There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
• to a position that is supported by (something)
1. You can get on [=onto] the horse as soon as we've put the saddle on it.
2. I climbed out on [=onto] the roof.
• near or close to (something or someone)
1. a village on [=by] the sea

• immediately after (something)
1. What was your first reaction on hearing the news? [=when you heard the news]
2. You'll be required to pay on delivery of the package. [=when the package is delivered]
• as stated or shown by (someone or something)
1. I have it on good authority [=a trustworthy person has told me] that the company will be relocating.
2. (Brit) On [=according to] these estimates, we'll be out of debt soon.
• talking about
1. I haven't a clue what you're on about!
2. She is always on about the importance of exercise.
• asking (someone) for something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
1. She is always on at him for money.
• asking or telling (someone) to do something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
1. Mummy's always on at me about cleaning up my room!
• actively dealing with a problem, job, etc.
1. “We need to get this paperwork done.” “Don't worry; I'm on it.” [=I am taking care of it]
• in an advanced state
1. We're far/well on with/in our project.
• at a more advanced time
1. I'll come by to help you later on.
• from one person or thing to another
1. Pass the word/note on.
2. The tradition has been passed/handed on [=down] through the years.
3. Let's move/go on to the next point.
• in or into a train, bus, etc.
1. She got on at the last station.
• attached to or covering something
1. The lid is on tight.
• performing or speaking in public
1. The band will be on in 10 minutes.
2. Mr. President, you are on in two minutes. [=you will be giving your speech in two minutes]
• working at a job
1. He is on tomorrow from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
• operating or flowing
1. The radio/water/electricity is on.
• in a position that starts the flow of electricity, water, etc.
1. The switch is on.
2. The lever is in the on position.
• taking place or happening
1. The deal/game is on.
2. (Brit) We do not have anything on [=planned] this weekend.
• doing something as planned
1. Are we still on for dinner tomorrow? [=are we still having dinner tomorrow, as we planned to do?]
• being broadcast on television or radio
1. The show is on at 8 p.m.
2. The game is on tonight.
3. My favorite show is on.
• not acceptable or proper
1. Cheating old ladies out of their savings just isn't on. [=is not acceptable]
• not possible
1. I'm afraid that scheme's just not on.