get on

verb

got on; got on or gotten on; getting on; gets on

intransitive verb

1

: get along

was getting on in years

got on well with the boss

get on with the game

2

: to gain knowledge or understanding

got on to the racket

Synonyms

• cope
• do
• fare
• get along
• get by
• make out
• manage
• shift

Examples of get on in a Sentence

despite his new job's low pay, he was still getting on

find out how the marketing department is getting on with the new ad campaign

Recent Examples on the Web

Makar got on the ice for the morning skate, but couldn’t ultimately make a go of it. —Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Consider getting on a better diet or fitness regimen. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

With enhanced oversight enabled by the addition of new directors with industry and operational experience, PSX could get on track towards improving its EBITDA per barrel and progress towards its refining targets. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025

That’s what happens in authoritarian countries where citizens must say the correct words — and avoid the wrong ones — to get on the right side of their rulers. —Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

get on

verb

1

: get along sense 3

they got on well

2

: to start dealing with

I'll get on it right away

3

: to criticize (someone) repeatedly

4

: to grow old