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.
Hayden also said she wished Net-a-Porter had a physical space where she could try on clothes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 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
The morning before Caitlin was admitted into hospital for the final time, she, Grace and Neve went to try on bridesmaids' dresses together.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 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
“Are you going to try on your wedding dresses?”
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
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.
