1 C1 idiomatic informal
To attach oneself to a person in a persistent, unwanted, or opportunistic manner.
"The toddler glommed onto the babysitter the moment her mother left the room."
inseparable
glom onto
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To attach oneself persistently to a person, idea, or object, often without invitation.
In plain English
To grab onto someone or something and not let go, like sticky tape.
What does "glom onto" mean?
3 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 opportunity.
"Advertisers quickly glommed onto the viral meme and used it in their campaigns."
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic slang
To steal or take something for oneself (rare, dated slang).
"Someone glommed onto my umbrella while I was in the café."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To stick or adhere onto something.
Actually means
To grab onto someone or something and not let go, like sticky tape.
Usage tip
Chiefly North American. More commonly seen than 'glom on' because the 'onto' specifies the target directly. Implies opportunism or obsessiveness. Also used figuratively for seizing an idea or opportunity.
Words that pair with "glom onto"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea person opportunity trend concept stranger
How to conjugate "glom onto"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
glom onto
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gloms onto
he/she/it
Past simple
glomed onto
yesterday
Past participle
glomed onto
have + pp
-ing form
gloming onto
continuous
Hear "glom onto" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "glom onto" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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