try on

British  

verb

1. to put on (an article of clothing) to find out whether it fits or is suitable

2. informal to attempt to deceive or fool someone

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noun

1. informal an action or statement made to test out a person's gullibility, tolerance, etc

try on Idioms  

1. Test the fit or look of a garment by putting it on, as in Do you want to try on this dress? This expression is also put as try on for size , which is sometimes used figuratively, as in The teacher wanted to try the new method on for size before agreeing to use it . [Late 1600s]

2. Test the effectiveness or acceptability of something, as in The actors decided to try on the new play out of town . [Late 1800s] Also see try out .

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

try on

First, though, they participated in the same kinds of experiments that grade-schoolers might try on a field trip.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

While investors could try on their own to both achieve broad market exposure and dodge certain companies, doing so can be expensive.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

Nearby, two girls try on cowboy hats available in vibrant hues.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2026

Scotland's speed was proving too much for England's depleted defence and, after Russell went wide to Steyn on the right, play swept across field with unmarked back-row forward Ritchie scoring a try on the left.

From Barron's ● Feb. 14, 2026

Mom’s plan was for her and Maureen to go into the dressing room of a store with an armful of new clothes for Maureen to try on.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• check out
• wear