on

/ɒn/ preposition

Definition

SURFACE › on a surface of something: We put all of our medicine on a high shelf. Ouch, you're standing on my foot!

PLACE › in a particular place: the diagram on page 22 I met her on a ship.

RECORDING/PERFORMANCE › used to show the way in which something is recorded or performed: What's on television tonight? I bought the CD but you can buy it on cassette.

TOUCHING › used to show what happens as a result of touching something: I cut myself on a knife.

SUBJECT › about: a book on pregnancy

MONEY/TIME › used to show what money or time is used for: I've wasted too much time on this already. She refuses to spend more than £20 on a pair of shoes.

NEXT TO › next to or along the side of: The post office is on Bateman Street.

DATE/DAY › used to show the date or day when something happens: He's due to arrive on 14 February. I'm working on my birthday.

USING › using something: I spoke to Mum on the phone. I wrote it on my word processor.

AFTER › happening after something and often because of it: The Prince was informed on his return to the UK.

TRANSPORT › used to show some methods of travelling: Did you go over on the ferry? Sam loves travelling on buses.

FOOD/FUEL/DRUGS › used to show something that is used as food, fuel, or a drug: This radio runs on batteries. I can't drink wine because I'm on antibiotics.

be on a committee/panel, etc › to be a member of a group or organization: She's on the playgroup committee.

have/carry sth on you › to have something with you: Do you have your driving licence on you?

be on me/him, etc informal › used to show who is paying for something: This meal is on me.

(Definition of on preposition from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)