I. ˈȯn, ˈän preposition
Etymology: Middle English an, on, preposition & adverb, from Old English; akin to Old High German ana on, Greek ana up, on
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. — used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of
the book is lying on the table
b. — used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface
the fly landed on the ceiling
I have a cut on my finger
paint on the wall
c. — used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with
a village on the sea
stay on your opponent
d. — used as a function word to indicate the location of something
on the left
on the south side of the house
on the farm
2.
a. — used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support
on a string
stand on one foot
hang it on a nail
b. — used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence
you can rely on me
feeds on insects
lives on a pension
c. — used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance
on the bus
d. — used as a function word to indicate presence in the possession of
had a knife on him
3. — used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place
a parade on Sunday
or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done
on cue
on arriving home, I found your letter
news on the hour
cash on delivery
4. archaic : of
5.
a. — used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something; often used with the
on the sly
keep everything on the up-and-up
b. — used as a function word to indicate means or agency
cut myself on a knife
talk on the telephone
c. — used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression
on stage
best show on television
6.
a.
(1) — used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status
on the increase
on the lookout
(2) : regularly using or showing the effects of using
on drugs
b. — used as a function word to indicate involvement or participation
on tour
on the team
on duty
c. — used as a function word to indicate inclusion
put it on the agenda
d. — used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective
on schedule
7.
a. — used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation)
I have it on good authority
on one condition
the interest will be 10 cents on the dollar
b. — used as a function word to indicate the cause or source
profited on the sale of stock
c. — used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility
drinks are on the house
put the blame on me
8.
a. — used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action
bumped my head on a limb
an attack on religion
pulled a gun on me
b. — used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment
has three inches in height on me
a 3-game lead on the second-place team
the joke's on me
9.
a. — used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort
crept up on him
feast your eyes on this
working on my skiing
made a payment on the loan
b. — used as a function word to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will
have pity on me
keen on sports
a curse on you
c. — used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some misfortune or disadvantageous event
the crops died on them
d. — used as a function word to indicate the subject of study, discussion, or consideration
a book on insects
reflect on that a moment
agree on price
e. : with respect to
go light on the salt
short on cash
10. — used as a function word to indicate reduplication or succession in a series
loss on loss
II. adverb
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : in or into a position of contact with an upper surface especially so as to be positioned for use or operation
put the plates on
b. : in or into a position of being attached to or covering a surface ; especially : in or into the condition of being worn
put his new shoes on
2.
a. : forward or at a more advanced point in space or time
went on home
later on
b. : in continuance or succession
rambled on
and so on
3. : into operation or a position permitting operation
switched the light on
III. adjective
Date: circa 1541
1. : engaged in an activity or function (as a dramatic role)
2.
a.
(1) : being in operation
the radio is on
(2) : placed so as to permit operation
the switch is on
b. : taking place or being broadcast
the game is on
3. : aware of something — usually used with to
my boss was on to me
4. : intended , planned
has nothing on for tonight
5. British : talking or harping incessantly — used with about
6. chiefly British : regarded as possible or feasible — usually used in negative constructions
7.
a. : engaged in or as if in a performance
the comedian was always on
b. : being at a high level of performance