1 C1 idiomatic informal
To attach oneself to a person in a clingy, uninvited, or opportunistic way.
"At every party, he would glom on to whoever looked most popular."
glom on
C1 informal intransitive
To attach oneself to someone or something in a clingy or opportunistic way.
In plain English
To stick to someone or grab onto something like glue, usually when you weren't invited.
What does "glom on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To seize upon or become fixated on an idea, trend, or object.
"The media glommed on to the story and wouldn't let it go for weeks."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To stick or adhere on top of something.
Actually means
To stick to someone or grab onto something like glue, usually when you weren't invited.
Usage tip
Primarily North American informal. Often implies unwanted or opportunistic attachment. Used both for people clinging socially and for ideas taking hold. Usually followed by 'to' in practice, making 'glom on' and 'glom onto' nearly interchangeable.
Words that pair with "glom on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea person trend group concept stranger
How to conjugate "glom on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
glom on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gloms on
he/she/it
Past simple
glomed on
yesterday
Past participle
glomed on
have + pp
-ing form
gloming on
continuous
Hear "glom on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "glom on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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