Phrase guide

be on

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be ranked at (something), based on polling.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, literally, transitive

Examples

  • The Tories are on twenty-five percent in that constituency.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be performative or funny in a wearying manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, literally

Examples

  • You don't have to be on all the time.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To be responsible for (something).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally, transitive

Examples

  • That task is on you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To be up to; to be engaged in or scheduled to do imminently.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Qualifier: African-American Vernacular

Examples

  • What are you on today?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

appear in a show, on T.V. or radio

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The news won't be on tonight

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: get on

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: air

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: ser responsabilidad de — to be responsible for