1 A2 neutral
To attach something to a surface using a sticky substance, tape, or adhesive.
"She stuck name labels on all the children's lunch boxes."
separable
stick on
B1 informal separable transitive
To attach something to a surface using adhesive, or to put music or a TV programme on to play.
In plain English
Use something sticky to attach an object to a surface, or start playing some music or a show.
What does "stick on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
(Informal, British) To start playing music, a film, or a TV show.
"Stick on some music while I get dinner ready."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use stickiness or an adhesive to place an object on a surface.
Actually means
Use something sticky to attach an object to a surface, or start playing some music or a show.
Usage tip
The adhesive sense is common in craft, art, and everyday contexts. The music/media sense ('stick on a record/film') is very common in informal British English and means to start playing something.
Words that pair with "stick on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
label stamp record album film kettle
How to conjugate "stick on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stick on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks on
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck on
yesterday
Past participle
stuck on
have + pp
-ing form
sticking on
continuous
Hear "stick on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stick on"
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