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

---

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 .

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

try on

A selection of space suits resides in a glass case near a fun interactive exhibit that allows you to try on your own digital space suit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

St Helens were outclassed on home turf and had only a Luci McColm try on the stroke of half-time on a difficult evening.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

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

I try on those words as if they're a new pair of slippers that don't quite fit.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• check out
• wear

---