try on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To test the look or fit of (a garment) by wearing it.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
c. 1601, Gervase Markham, The Dumb Knight, London: John Bache, 1608, Act III,
Fore God it is a delicate fine suite, rich stuffe, rare worke, and of the newest fashion; nay if the Senats businesse were neuer so hasty, I will stay to try it on, come, help good wenches helpe, so there, there there.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To attempt; to undertake.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “try on” mean?
To test the look or fit of (a garment) by wearing it.
Is “try on” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.