try on
Britishverb
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to put on (an article of clothing) to find out whether it fits or is suitable
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informal to attempt to deceive or fool someone
noun
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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]
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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 .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Boyfriend couches” are strategically placed nearby, where significant others can relax while their partners try on clothes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
It looked great, but we asked if my fiancé could also try on some suits that were on sale.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026
Referee Angus Gardner had awarded the try on field, but television match official Brett Cronan insisted Delguy was in touch.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
There are large queues to try on AI glasses that claim to translate foreign languages and robotic legs to help climb mountains.
From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026
So I watched Chandra try on my sari and said nothing.
From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
