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

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

“Company,” a reggae tune with a guest appearance from Jamaican dancehall vocalist Buju Banton, gives Ms. Lennox an opportunity to try on a sing-song melodic guise and it suits her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Both sides then spurned chances, with George Turner inches away from a try on his first league start, before Saints levelled the scores.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

People have been invited to come here via local networks, food banks, housing associations and other outreach organisations to browse, try on and take home a coat for free.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

I try on a few pairs and then pick up a thick bracelet the color of a pomegranate and sitting in the clearance basket.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

Related Words

• check out
• wear