on

Definitions

1. 1preposition

   The general signification of on is situation, motion, or condition with respect to contact or support beneath

2. 2preposition

   At, or in contact with, the surface or upper part of a thing, and supported by it; placed or lying in contact with the surface; as, the book lies on the table, which stands on the floor of a house on an island.

3. 3preposition

   To or against the surface of; -- used to indicate the motion of a thing as coming or falling to the surface of another; as, rain falls on the earth.

4. 4preposition

   Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with; as, to play on a violin or piano. Hence, figuratively, to work on one's feelings; to make an impression on the mind.

5. 5preposition

   At or near; adjacent to; -- indicating situation, place, or position; as, on the one hand, on the other hand; the fleet is on the American coast.

6. 6preposition

   In addition to; besides; -- indicating multiplication or succession in a series; as, heaps on heaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on thought.

7. 7preposition

   Indicating dependence or reliance; with confidence in; as, to depend on a person for assistance; to rely on; hence, indicating the ground or support of anything; as, he will promise on certain conditions; to bet on a horse.

8. 8preposition

   At or in the time of; during; as, on Sunday we abstain from labor. See At (synonym).

9. 9preposition

   At the time of, conveying some notion of cause or motive; as, on public occasions, the officers appear in full dress or uniform. Hence, in consequence of, or following; as, on the ratification of the treaty, the armies were disbanded.

10. 10preposition

    Toward; for; -- indicating the object of some passion; as, have pity or compassion on him.

11. 11preposition

    At the peril of, or for the safety of.

12. 12preposition

    By virtue of; with the pledge of; -- denoting a pledge or engagement, and put before the thing pledged; as, he affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honor.

13. 13preposition

    To the account of; -- denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon; as, on us be all the blame; a curse on him.

14. 14preposition

    In reference or relation to; as, on our part expect punctuality; a satire on society.

15. 15preposition

    Of.

16. 16preposition

    Occupied with; in the performance of; as, only three officers are on duty; on a journey.

17. 17preposition

    In the service of; connected with; of the number of; as, he is on a newspaper; on a committee.

18. 18preposition

    Forward, in progression; onward; -- usually with a verb of motion; as, move on; go on.

19. 19preposition

    Forward, in succession; as, from father to son, from the son to the grandson, and so on.

20. 20preposition

    In continuance; without interruption or ceasing; as, sleep on, take your ease; say on; sing on.

21. 21preposition

    Adhering; not off; as in the phrase, "He is neither on nor off," that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute.

22. 22preposition

    Attached to the body, as clothing or ornament, or for use.

23. 23preposition

    In progress; proceeding; as, a game is on.

24. 24adjective

    in operation or operational

    "left the oven on"

    "the switch is in the on position"

25. 25adjective

    (of events) planned or scheduled

    "the picnic is on, rain or shine"

    "we have nothing on for Friday night"

26. 26adverb

    with a forward motion

    "we drove along admiring the view"

    "the horse trotted along at a steady pace"

    Synonyms

    along
27. 27adverb

    indicates continuity or persistence or concentration

    "his spirit lives on"

    "shall I read on?"

28. 28adverb

    in a state required for something to function or be effective

    "turn the lights on"

    "get a load on"