take on

verb

took on; taken on; taking on; takes on

transitive verb

1
a
: to begin to perform or deal with : undertake
took on new responsibilities
b
: to contend with as an opponent
took on the neighborhood bully
2
3
a
: to assume or acquire as or as if one's own
the city's plaza takes on a carnival airW. T. LeViness
b
: to have as a mathematical domain or range
what values does the function take on

intransitive verb

: to show one's feelings especially of grief or anger in a demonstrative way
she cried, and took on like a distracted bodyDaniel Defoe

Examples of take on in a Sentence

will take on his chief opponent in the next political debate decided to take her on as store manager
Recent Examples on the Web Berman retained the title after Janick took over in 2014, and now takes on additional oversight of the Capitol labels under ICGL. Dan Rys, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2024 The case itself takes on the shape of an ACJ window down to the aircraft window’s multi-layered hull. Rebecca Suhrawardi, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 Most recently, Kim has taken on the role of Fire Lord Ozai, the leader of the Fire Nation, in Netflix's live action Avatar: The Last Airbender series. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would take on the anti-competitive and predatory behavior of hospital monopolies that is leading to higher health care costs and affordability issues for my patients. Rob Davidson, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Oprah Winfrey is taking on the weight-loss injectable trend in a new primetime special. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Many of the best games succeed by offering a novel take on something familiar. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 Ahuja, currently the chairman of Sony global television studios and corporate development, will take on his new responsibilities beginning April 1 and shift to Sony’s Poitier Building in Culver City, while still retaining his position as chief of Sony Pictures Television. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 Both the character and her ink take on a special symbolic significance, reminding characters and audiences alike about the importance of overcoming the fears that hold us back. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of take on was in 1567

Cite this Entry

“Take on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20on. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

take on

verb
1
: to struggle with as an opponent
2
: employ entry 1 sense 2
took on more workers
3
: to acquire (as an appearance or quality) as one's own
take on weight
4
: to make an unusual show of one's feelings especially of grief or anger
don't take on so

More from Merriam-Webster on take on

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