try on

British  

verb

1. to put on (an article of clothing) to find out whether it fits or is suitable

2. informal to attempt to deceive or fool someone

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noun

1. informal an action or statement made to test out a person's gullibility, tolerance, etc

try on Idioms  

1. Test the fit or look of a garment by putting it on, as in Do you want to try on this dress? This expression is also put as try on for size , which is sometimes used figuratively, as in The teacher wanted to try the new method on for size before agreeing to use it . [Late 1600s]

2. Test the effectiveness or acceptability of something, as in The actors decided to try on the new play out of town . [Late 1800s] Also see try out .

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Example Sentences

People have been invited to come here via local networks, food banks, housing associations and other outreach organisations to browse, try on and take home a coat for free.

From BBC

But these young people were really watching each other bloom as they tried on different selves.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are also yellow tents selling only Golf Wang, and there’s a Converse pop-up with Golf le Fleur, where shoppers are able to sit down and try on the in-demand shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

She tried on every dress she owned to see which would go best with her plume.

From Literature

The 20-year-old's sensational rise includes two tries on his England debut against Wales in March, before selection for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia.

From BBC

Related Words

• check out
• wear