v. phr. , informal 1. To begin by chance; begin to. Used with a verbal noun or an infinitive. George meant to save his dollar, but he got to thinking how good an ice cream cone would taste, and he spent it. On a rainy day, Sally got to looking around in the attic and found some old pictures of Father. I got to know Mary at the party. I was just getting to know John when he moved away.
Compare: TAKE TO 2 . 2. To have a chance to; be able to. The Taylors wanted to go to the beach Saturday, but it rained and they didn't get to. Did you get to see the king?
Compare: GET AT 3 . 3. See: HAVE TO.