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.
What did you try on “Mosca” that you wouldn’t have trusted yourself to do on “ATP”? I tried letting the music ride a lot more.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2026
She gave a knowing smile, insisting I try on the skirt I was clutching.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 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
Wigan were rampant and Marshall crossed for his second try on 78 minutes to complete a comprehensive victory.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026
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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
