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.
“There were a few things I would have wanted to try on and maybe even purchase,” Kristovich said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored a sensational solo try on his return from injury as Exeter Chiefs beat Munster to reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
Nearby, two girls try on cowboy hats available in vibrant hues.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
Slipper's try on the half-hour mark helped the Brumbies to a 19-14 halftime lead.
From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026
No matter what I try on, I know I’ll hate it.
From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
