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

See Examples For:

try on

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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2026

Patient as ever, Margaret stood with an armload of hats for her mistress to try on and find fault with, one after another after another.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• check out
• wear