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

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 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

Despite his three-foot birdie try on 18 lipping out he still won by three shots and was the only player to finish in the red.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

In December, the full-back helped Quins defeat Bristol Bears at Allianz Stadium, scoring another individual try on her return to the home of English rugby.

From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2026

Mom keeps all her important stuff locked in a filing cabinet: her passport, my birth certificate, her engagement ring from Dad, which she lets me try on.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Related Words

• check out
• wear