Put on

verb

To dress oneself in something.

He put on his coat and left the house.
Visual representation of "put on" - To dress oneself in something

Often appears as...

  • put on clothes
  • put on shoes
verb

To apply or add something.

She put on some sunscreen before going to the beach.
Visual representation of "put on" - To apply or add something

Often appears as...

  • put on weight
  • put on a plaster
verb

To start a device or piece of equipment.

Can you put on the light, it's too dark in here.
Visual representation of "put on" - To start a device or piece of equipment

Often appears as...

  • put on the light
  • put on the radio
verb

To cause something to happen, or to arrange for an event.

The school is putting on a play at the end of term.
Visual representation of "put on" - To cause something to happen, or to arrange for an event

Often appears as...

  • put on a show
  • put on an event

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To pretend to have a particular mood or feeling.

He put on a brave face even though he was scared.
Visual representation of "put on" - To pretend to have a particular mood or feeling

Often appears as...

  • put on a brave face
  • put on a front

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To increase in size or amount, especially by eating.

I've put on two kilos over the Christmas holidays.
Visual representation of "put on" - To increase in size or amount, especially by eating

Often appears as...

  • put on weight
  • put on fat

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To dress oneself in something.

He put on his coat and left the house.
Visual representation of "put on" - To dress oneself in something

Often appears as...

  • put on clothes
  • put on shoes
verb

To apply or add something.

She put on some sunscreen before going to the beach.
Visual representation of "put on" - To apply or add something

Often appears as...

  • put on weight
  • put on a plaster
verb

To start a device or piece of equipment.

Can you put on the light, it's too dark in here.
Visual representation of "put on" - To start a device or piece of equipment

Often appears as...

  • put on the light
  • put on the radio
verb

To cause something to happen, or to arrange for an event.

The school is putting on a play at the end of term.
Visual representation of "put on" - To cause something to happen, or to arrange for an event

Often appears as...

  • put on a show
  • put on an event

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To pretend to have a particular mood or feeling.

He put on a brave face even though he was scared.
Visual representation of "put on" - To pretend to have a particular mood or feeling

Often appears as...

  • put on a brave face
  • put on a front

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To increase in size or amount, especially by eating.

I've put on two kilos over the Christmas holidays.
Visual representation of "put on" - To increase in size or amount, especially by eating

Often appears as...

  • put on weight
  • put on fat

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 6
Visual representation of "put on"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Sequence Matters

When dressing, the order of items 'put on' can be important and is often mentioned.

Illustration for Sequence Matters
After his socks, he put on his shoes.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Complete Outfit

'Put on' can imply dressing fully, not just a single piece of clothing.

Illustration for Complete Outfit
She put on her dress and was ready to go.
Visual representation of the word "Put on"

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