v. phr. 1. To dress in. The boy took off his clothes and put on his pajamas. Mother put a coat on the baby. 2a. To pretend; assume; show. Mary isn't really sick; she's only putting on. He put on a smile. The child was putting on airs. 2b. To exaggerate; make too much of. That's rather putting it on.
Compare: LAY IT ON. 3. To begin to have more (body weight); gain (weight). Mary was thin from sickness, and the doctor said she must put on ten pounds. Too many sweets and not enough exercise will make you put on weight. 4a. To plan and prepare; produce; arrange; give; stage. The senior class put on a dance. The actor put on a fine performance. 4b. To make (an effort). The runner put on an extra burst of speed and won the race. 5. To choose to send; employ on a job. The school put on extra men to get the new building ready.