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

“First- and second-graders who try on glasses the first time are blown away because they just thought that’s how the world looked,” Carroll said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 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

Slipper's try on the half-hour mark helped the Brumbies to a 19-14 halftime lead.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 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

I have privacy to try on a new dress and twirl in the mirror to see if I like it.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

Related Words

• check out
• wear