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

As someone who is not naturally tidy, I’ve tried on a number of spring-cleaning formats over the years.

From Salon

Then our eyes skittered to the other counters, where customers were freely trying on jewelry and gloves.

From Literature

Some in the area fled in fear after the strike, while those who had remained there were trying on Saturday to make sense of what had happened.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Seven Scottish tries on a glorious sunlit afternoon at Murrayfield helped to blow the 2026 championship wide open with one round of fixtures remaining.

From BBC

Related Words

• check out
• wear