1put 
/ˈpʊt/ verb
puts; put; put·ting /ˈpʊt/ verb [+ obj] 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition a : to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular place or position
▪ She put [=placed, set] the plant near the window. ▪ Put the car in the garage. ▪ I put the keys on the table. ▪ He put his arms around her and held her tight.
b : to cause (something) to go into or through something in a forceful way
▪ He fell and accidentally put his hand through a window.
c : to cause (someone) to be in a particular place or send (someone) to a particular place
▪ The illness put her in the hospital for three days. ▪ They put her in prison for forgery. ▪ Her parents decided to put her in a special school for deaf children. ▪ If she drove 55 mph for 20 minutes, that would put her about halfway there by now.
d : to show that (someone or something) is in a particular place
▪ The evidence/report puts the defendant at the scene of the crime. [=it shows that the defendant was at the scene of the crime] 2 : to write (something) with a pen or pencil in or on something
▪ Don't forget to put your signature on the check. ▪ He put his phone number on a napkin. ▪ Put a circle around the correct answer. ▪ I wrote that the answer was option B. What did you put? ▪ She had always dreamed of writing a novel, but she never actually put pen to paper. [=started writing] 3 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular state or condition
▪ Not exercising puts you at greater risk of developing heart disease. ▪ Put the TV on channel 5, please. ▪ Who put you in charge/command/control? ▪ I told her some jokes to put her in/into a good mood. ▪ His careless spending put him in/into debt. ▪ Their actions have put them in serious danger. ▪ Her reassuring words put us at ease. [=made us feel calm and relaxed] ▪ Put that idea out of your mind. [=stop thinking about that idea] ▪ They said they shot the injured horse to put it out of its misery. [=so that it would not continue to suffer] ▪ They have put their competitors out of business. ▪ The new technology could put him out of a job. = It could put him out of work. [=it could make him lose his job] ▪ He's putting the children to bed. [=helping them get into their beds] 4 always followed by an adverb or preposition a : to cause (someone or something) to do work or perform a task — often + to ▪ She put the kids to work cleaning the basement.
b : to use (something)
▪ They are ready to put the plan in action/motion. ▪ putting an idea into action/effect/practice ▪ The new weapon was immediately put to use by the military. ▪ I don't need this camera, but maybe you can put it to good use. 5 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to cause (something) to have an effect on someone or something — usually + on ▪ He puts [=places] great emphasis on the need for new leadership. [=he strongly emphasizes the need for new leadership] ▪ She has been putting pressure on us to finish the project early. ▪ Another child would put a heavy strain on their finances. [=would strain their finances very much] ▪ A special tax/duty/surcharge was put on luxury items. ▪ They want to put a limit on government spending. 6 : to say or express (something)
▪ As she put it, “You can't please everyone.” ▪ How should I put this? I don't think you're cut out for this job. ▪ Well put! ▪ Let me put it another way. ▪ I think you're incompetent, to put it bluntly. ▪ It was a difficult experience, to put it mildly. [=it was a very difficult experience] ▪ She finds it hard to put her feelings into words. [=to say what her feelings are] 7 always followed by an adverb or preposition a : to ask (a question) or make (a suggestion) to someone
▪ Let me put this question to you [=let me ask you this question]: what do we do now? ▪ I put my plan/proposal before the board of directors for consideration.
b : to ask a group of people to formally vote on (something)
▪ They plan on putting the motion/resolution to a/the vote this afternoon. 8 : to add music to (words)
▪ She writes the lyrics and he puts [=sets] them to music. 9 sports : to throw (a shot put)
▪ She put [=placed, set] the plant near the window. ▪ Put the car in the garage. ▪ I put the keys on the table. ▪ He put his arms around her and held her tight.
b : to cause (something) to go into or through something in a forceful way
▪ He fell and accidentally put his hand through a window.
c : to cause (someone) to be in a particular place or send (someone) to a particular place
▪ The illness put her in the hospital for three days. ▪ They put her in prison for forgery. ▪ Her parents decided to put her in a special school for deaf children. ▪ If she drove 55 mph for 20 minutes, that would put her about halfway there by now.
d : to show that (someone or something) is in a particular place
▪ The evidence/report puts the defendant at the scene of the crime. [=it shows that the defendant was at the scene of the crime]
▪ Don't forget to put your signature on the check. ▪ He put his phone number on a napkin. ▪ Put a circle around the correct answer. ▪ I wrote that the answer was option B. What did you put? ▪ She had always dreamed of writing a novel, but she never actually put pen to paper. [=started writing]
▪ Not exercising puts you at greater risk of developing heart disease. ▪ Put the TV on channel 5, please. ▪ Who put you in charge/command/control? ▪ I told her some jokes to put her in/into a good mood. ▪ His careless spending put him in/into debt. ▪ Their actions have put them in serious danger. ▪ Her reassuring words put us at ease. [=made us feel calm and relaxed] ▪ Put that idea out of your mind. [=stop thinking about that idea] ▪ They said they shot the injured horse to put it out of its misery. [=so that it would not continue to suffer] ▪ They have put their competitors out of business. ▪ The new technology could put him out of a job. = It could put him out of work. [=it could make him lose his job] ▪ He's putting the children to bed. [=helping them get into their beds]
b : to use (something)
▪ They are ready to put the plan in action/motion. ▪ putting an idea into action/effect/practice ▪ The new weapon was immediately put to use by the military. ▪ I don't need this camera, but maybe you can put it to good use.
▪ As she put it, “You can't please everyone.” ▪ How should I put this? I don't think you're cut out for this job. ▪ Well put! ▪ Let me put it another way. ▪ I think you're incompetent, to put it bluntly. ▪ It was a difficult experience, to put it mildly. [=it was a very difficult experience] ▪ She finds it hard to put her feelings into words. [=to say what her feelings are]
▪ Let me put this question to you [=let me ask you this question]: what do we do now? ▪ I put my plan/proposal before the board of directors for consideration.
b : to ask a group of people to formally vote on (something)
▪ They plan on putting the motion/resolution to a/the vote this afternoon.
▪ She writes the lyrics and he puts [=sets] them to music.
I wouldn't put it past (someone) — see 2past
put about [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) about or put about (something) Brit : to tell many people about (something)
▪ They put about the news that he was resigning. = They put it about that he was resigning. 2 a of a boat or ship : to change direction
▪ The ship put about and sailed back out to sea.
b put (something) about : to cause (a boat or ship) to change direction
▪ a boat that can be put about quickly
▪ They put about the news that he was resigning. = They put it about that he was resigning.
▪ The ship put about and sailed back out to sea.
b put (something) about : to cause (a boat or ship) to change direction
▪ a boat that can be put about quickly
put across [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) across or put across (something) : to cause (something) to be clearly understood : to get (something) across
▪ She has had trouble putting her message across to voters. 2 put (yourself) across as (something) : to cause (yourself) to appear to be (a particular type of person)
▪ He tries to put himself across as [=to make other people believe that he is] a nice guy.
▪ She has had trouble putting her message across to voters.
▪ He tries to put himself across as [=to make other people believe that he is] a nice guy.
put a foot wrong — see 1foot
put aside [phrasal verb]
put (something) aside or put aside (something) 1 : to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
▪ She's been putting aside some money for a vacation. ▪ Can you put a few minutes aside for a short meeting? 2 : to stop worrying or thinking about (something)
▪ We need to put these problems aside for now and get the work done. ▪ It's time to put aside our differences and start working together.
▪ She's been putting aside some money for a vacation. ▪ Can you put a few minutes aside for a short meeting?
▪ We need to put these problems aside for now and get the work done. ▪ It's time to put aside our differences and start working together.
put at [phrasal verb]
put (something) at (something) : to guess or estimate (something) to be (something)
▪ The coroner put his time of death at 7:00. [=the coroner estimated that the time of his death was 7:00] ▪ Recent estimates put the number of unreported cases at 2,000 each year.
▪ The coroner put his time of death at 7:00. [=the coroner estimated that the time of his death was 7:00] ▪ Recent estimates put the number of unreported cases at 2,000 each year.
put away [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) away or put away (something) a : to return (something) to the place where it belongs
▪ He washed, dried, and put away the dishes after dinner. ▪ She put the pictures away for safekeeping. ▪ Put your notes away. It's time for the test.
b : to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
▪ Her parents started putting away money for her education the year she was born.
c informal : to eat (a large amount of food)
▪ I used to put away huge meals before I went on a diet. ▪ That guy can really put it away! 2 put (someone) away or put away (someone) informal : to cause (someone) to be kept in a prison or mental hospital
▪ He's a vicious criminal. I hope they put him away for the rest of his life.
▪ He washed, dried, and put away the dishes after dinner. ▪ She put the pictures away for safekeeping. ▪ Put your notes away. It's time for the test.
b : to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
▪ Her parents started putting away money for her education the year she was born.
c informal : to eat (a large amount of food)
▪ I used to put away huge meals before I went on a diet. ▪ That guy can really put it away!
▪ He's a vicious criminal. I hope they put him away for the rest of his life.
put back [phrasal verb]
put (something) back or put back (something) 1 : to return (something) to the place where it belongs
▪ Remember to put the vacuum cleaner back in the closet after you've used it. ▪ The books had been put back neatly on the shelf. 2 Brit : to change (a planned event) to start at a later date or time
▪ They put back [=pushed back, postponed] the game until next week. ▪ The meeting has been put back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
▪ Remember to put the vacuum cleaner back in the closet after you've used it. ▪ The books had been put back neatly on the shelf.
▪ They put back [=pushed back, postponed] the game until next week. ▪ The meeting has been put back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
put before [phrasal verb]
put (something) before (someone or something) : to ask (a person or group) to make a decision about (something)
▪ The problem of downtown parking was put before the mayor/council. ▪ We should put this question before the voters.
▪ The problem of downtown parking was put before the mayor/council. ▪ We should put this question before the voters.
put behind [phrasal verb]
put (something) behind you : to stop worrying about or being upset by (something that happened in the past)
▪ It was a disappointing loss, but we need to put it behind us and focus on winning the next game. ▪ Put the past behind you.
▪ It was a disappointing loss, but we need to put it behind us and focus on winning the next game. ▪ Put the past behind you.
put by [phrasal verb]
put (something) by or put by (something) chiefly Brit : to save (money) for a later time
▪ She has put some money by [=put aside] for emergencies.
▪ She has put some money by [=put aside] for emergencies.
put down [phrasal verb] 1 put (someone or something) down also put down (someone or something) a : to place (someone or something that you have been holding or carrying) on a table, on the floor, etc.
▪ She carefully put the vase down on the table. ▪ The police ordered him to put down the gun. ▪ I don't need you to carry me. Put me down!
b : to add (someone or something) to a list
▪ Don't forget to put down milk and bread on the shopping list.
c informal : to say critical or insulting things about (someone or something)
▪ He frequently puts down her work. ▪ Her parents are always putting her down. ▪ He puts himself down a lot, but he's really quite an attractive man. — see also put-down 2 put (something) down or put down (something) a : to write (something) : to record (something) in writing
▪ She says that the reporter put her quote down incorrectly. ▪ Every night, he puts his thoughts down in a journal. ▪ I need to put down my thoughts on paper before I forget them. ▪ What answer did you put down on the test?
b : to give (an amount of money) as a first payment when you are buying something that costs a lot of money
▪ We put 10 percent down on the house. = We put down a 10 percent deposit on the house. ▪ Put no money down and pay no interest on the car until next year.
c : to put (something) in place on the floor or ground
▪ Putting down [=installing] a new hardwood floor would greatly increase the value of your home. ▪ We put down a layer of mulch in the rose garden.
d : to stop (a violent or dangerous activity) by using force
▪ Federal troops were brought in to help put down the riot. ▪ put down a rebellion/revolt/uprising
e : to kill (an animal) in a way that causes it little pain usually because it is injured or sick
▪ They had to have their dog put down [=put to sleep] by the vet.
f Brit : to end a telephone connection
▪ She said goodbye and put down the phone. [=hung up the phone] ▪ She put the phone down on him. [=she hung up the phone while he was still talking to her]
g Brit : to formally suggest (something) as an idea to be discussed and voted on by a group of people : to propose or introduce (something)
▪ putting down an amendment in Parliament 3 put down or put (something) down or put down (something) chiefly Brit : to land or to cause (an airplane) to land
▪ Our plane put down [=landed] in New York around 2 p.m. ▪ The pilot was forced to put [=set] the plane down in a field. 4 put (someone) down or put down (someone) : to place (a baby or child) in a bed to sleep
▪ He put the baby down (in her crib) for a nap. 5 put (someone) down as (something) : to think of (someone) as (a specified kind of person or thing)
▪ Most people put him down as [=believe that he is] a fanatic. 6 put (someone) down for (something) : to write the name of (someone) on a list of people who will do or give (something)
▪ Can I put you down for a donation? [=can I write that you will give a donation?] ▪ Sure, put me down for $20. 7 put (something) down to (something) : to say or think that (something) happened because of (something)
▪ Let's put the mistake down to your inexperience and forget about it. ▪ The mistake was put down to [=attributed to] his inexperience.
▪ She carefully put the vase down on the table. ▪ The police ordered him to put down the gun. ▪ I don't need you to carry me. Put me down!
b : to add (someone or something) to a list
▪ Don't forget to put down milk and bread on the shopping list.
c informal : to say critical or insulting things about (someone or something)
▪ He frequently puts down her work. ▪ Her parents are always putting her down. ▪ He puts himself down a lot, but he's really quite an attractive man. — see also put-down
▪ She says that the reporter put her quote down incorrectly. ▪ Every night, he puts his thoughts down in a journal. ▪ I need to put down my thoughts on paper before I forget them. ▪ What answer did you put down on the test?
b : to give (an amount of money) as a first payment when you are buying something that costs a lot of money
▪ We put 10 percent down on the house. = We put down a 10 percent deposit on the house. ▪ Put no money down and pay no interest on the car until next year.
c : to put (something) in place on the floor or ground
▪ Putting down [=installing] a new hardwood floor would greatly increase the value of your home. ▪ We put down a layer of mulch in the rose garden.
d : to stop (a violent or dangerous activity) by using force
▪ Federal troops were brought in to help put down the riot. ▪ put down a rebellion/revolt/uprising
e : to kill (an animal) in a way that causes it little pain usually because it is injured or sick
▪ They had to have their dog put down [=put to sleep] by the vet.
f Brit : to end a telephone connection
▪ She said goodbye and put down the phone. [=hung up the phone] ▪ She put the phone down on him. [=she hung up the phone while he was still talking to her]
g Brit : to formally suggest (something) as an idea to be discussed and voted on by a group of people : to propose or introduce (something)
▪ putting down an amendment in Parliament
▪ Our plane put down [=landed] in New York around 2 p.m. ▪ The pilot was forced to put [=set] the plane down in a field.
▪ He put the baby down (in her crib) for a nap.
▪ Most people put him down as [=believe that he is] a fanatic.
▪ Can I put you down for a donation? [=can I write that you will give a donation?] ▪ Sure, put me down for $20.
▪ Let's put the mistake down to your inexperience and forget about it. ▪ The mistake was put down to [=attributed to] his inexperience.
put forth [phrasal verb]
put forth (something) or put (something) forth somewhat formal 1 : to suggest (an idea, plan, etc.) for people to think about or consider
▪ The same argument has been put forth by many people in the opposition. ▪ I would like to put forth some alternatives. ▪ putting forth a plan/proposal/theory 2 : to use (something, such as energy) for a particular purpose
▪ She put forth all her energy to win the race. ▪ They put forth a good effort. 3 of a plant : to produce or send out (something) by growing
▪ The trees are starting to put forth new leaves.
▪ The same argument has been put forth by many people in the opposition. ▪ I would like to put forth some alternatives. ▪ putting forth a plan/proposal/theory
▪ She put forth all her energy to win the race. ▪ They put forth a good effort.
▪ The trees are starting to put forth new leaves.
put forward [phrasal verb]
put (something) forward or put forward (something) somewhat formal : to suggest (something) for consideration : propose
▪ He put forward [=put forth] a theory about how the accident may have occurred.
▪ He put forward [=put forth] a theory about how the accident may have occurred.
put in [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) in or put in (something) a : to make (something) ready to be used in a certain place : install
▪ We put in new cabinets just last year. ▪ In order to fix the car they have to put in a new engine.
b : to add (a comment) to a conversation or argument
▪ She put a quick comment in about her busy schedule. ▪ I'd like to put in a few words on his behalf. [=to say something that supports him] ▪ Would you mind putting in a good word for me? [=would you say something good about me?] ▪ You will each have a chance to put in your two cents. [=to express your opinion]
c : to make an official statement, offer, or request
▪ She put in a plea of not guilty. [=she pleaded not guilty] ▪ I need to put in [=make, submit] a report about this. ▪ You have two weeks to put in [=submit] a claim with the insurance company. ▪ They are putting in [=making] a $300,000 offer for the house. ▪ I'd like to put in [=place] an order for a dozen roses. ▪ Contractors have begun putting in bids for the job.
d : to perform (a particular action)
▪ They put in an amazing performance last night. ▪ The prime minister put in a call to [=called] the White House. ▪ I won't be able to stay at the party long, but I'll at least try to put in an appearance. [=to go to the party for a short time]
e : to work or do something for (an amount of time)
▪ She put in 10 hours at the office yesterday. ▪ She put in a long day at work. ▪ He has put in his time (in jail), and now he is a free man. 2 put in (something) or put (something) in (something) : to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing something
▪ If we put in a little more effort, we could finish by this afternoon. ▪ He puts a lot of energy in his performances. 3 put (something) in (something) a : to invest (money) into (something)
▪ She put her money in stocks and bonds.
b — used to say what causes you to have faith, confidence, etc. ▪ He puts his faith in reason/science. ▪ putting her trust in God 4 put in for (something) : to ask for (something) in an official way : to formally request (something)
▪ He put in for a leave of absence. ▪ putting in for a promotion 5 of a boat or ship : to enter a harbor or port
▪ The ship put in at Sydney.
▪ We put in new cabinets just last year. ▪ In order to fix the car they have to put in a new engine.
b : to add (a comment) to a conversation or argument
▪ She put a quick comment in about her busy schedule. ▪ I'd like to put in a few words on his behalf. [=to say something that supports him] ▪ Would you mind putting in a good word for me? [=would you say something good about me?] ▪ You will each have a chance to put in your two cents. [=to express your opinion]
c : to make an official statement, offer, or request
▪ She put in a plea of not guilty. [=she pleaded not guilty] ▪ I need to put in [=make, submit] a report about this. ▪ You have two weeks to put in [=submit] a claim with the insurance company. ▪ They are putting in [=making] a $300,000 offer for the house. ▪ I'd like to put in [=place] an order for a dozen roses. ▪ Contractors have begun putting in bids for the job.
d : to perform (a particular action)
▪ They put in an amazing performance last night. ▪ The prime minister put in a call to [=called] the White House. ▪ I won't be able to stay at the party long, but I'll at least try to put in an appearance. [=to go to the party for a short time]
e : to work or do something for (an amount of time)
▪ She put in 10 hours at the office yesterday. ▪ She put in a long day at work. ▪ He has put in his time (in jail), and now he is a free man.
▪ If we put in a little more effort, we could finish by this afternoon. ▪ He puts a lot of energy in his performances.
▪ She put her money in stocks and bonds.
b — used to say what causes you to have faith, confidence, etc. ▪ He puts his faith in reason/science. ▪ putting her trust in God
▪ He put in for a leave of absence. ▪ putting in for a promotion
▪ The ship put in at Sydney.
put into [phrasal verb]
put (something) into (something) 1 : to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing (something)
▪ He puts a lot of energy into his performances. ▪ She put her heart into (writing) the letter. [=she expressed her feelings in a very open and honest way] 2 : to invest (time, money, etc.) in (something)
▪ They put their entire life savings into the company. ▪ We put a lot of money into (fixing up) that house.
▪ He puts a lot of energy into his performances. ▪ She put her heart into (writing) the letter. [=she expressed her feelings in a very open and honest way]
▪ They put their entire life savings into the company. ▪ We put a lot of money into (fixing up) that house.
put it there or put her there
informal + old-fashioned — used to invite someone to shake hands with you ▪ Put her there, pal!
put off [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) off or put off (something) : to decide that (something) will happen at a later time : postpone
▪ The meeting has been put off until next week. = We put off (holding) the meeting until next week. ▪ I've been meaning to call him, but I keep putting it off. ▪ I've been putting off calling him. 2 put (someone) off or put off (someone) a : to cause (someone) to wait
▪ I need to come up with an excuse to put off the bill collector. ▪ She finally called him after putting him off all week.
b : to cause (someone) to dislike someone or something
▪ Don't let the restaurant's dingy appearance put you off—their food is great. ▪ I was put off by his rudeness. ▪ (chiefly Brit) His rudeness put me off him [=made me dislike him] at once. — see also off-putting
c Brit : to allow (someone) to get off a bus or other vehicle
▪ Could you put [=let] me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
▪ The meeting has been put off until next week. = We put off (holding) the meeting until next week. ▪ I've been meaning to call him, but I keep putting it off. ▪ I've been putting off calling him.
▪ I need to come up with an excuse to put off the bill collector. ▪ She finally called him after putting him off all week.
b : to cause (someone) to dislike someone or something
▪ Don't let the restaurant's dingy appearance put you off—their food is great. ▪ I was put off by his rudeness. ▪ (chiefly Brit) His rudeness put me off him [=made me dislike him] at once. — see also off-putting
c Brit : to allow (someone) to get off a bus or other vehicle
▪ Could you put [=let] me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
put on [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) on or put on (something) a : to dress yourself in (clothing)
▪ She put on her new dress. ▪ Put on a hat and gloves. ▪ I'll put some clothes on and be right there.
b : to apply (something) to your face or body
▪ putting on lipstick/mascara/lotion ▪ She puts on far too much makeup. ▪ We tried to put on a happy/brave face [=we tried to appear happy/brave] despite our concern.
c : to add to or increase the amount of (something)
▪ The fire was getting low and we needed to put on more wood. ▪ She put on [=gained] 40 pounds during her pregnancy. ▪ He's put on some weight recently.
d : to cause (a machine, a light, etc.) to begin to work
▪ Would you mind if I put [=turned] the TV on? ▪ Somebody put on the lights.
e : to cause (something) to begin to be heard, seen, produced, etc.
▪ put on a record/CD/album ▪ putting on some music ▪ We put on the air-conditioning/heat in the car.
f : to start cooking or making (something)
▪ Let me know when to put on the rice. ▪ He put on a pot of coffee for his guests.
g : to produce (something that entertains people, such as a play, a party, etc.)
▪ They're putting on a concert. ▪ He always puts on a great show/performance. ▪ The town puts on a fireworks display every Independence Day. ▪ We are putting on a barbecue for everyone in the neighborhood. 2 put (something) on (someone or something) a : to say that (someone or something) is responsible for or guilty of (something)
▪ Responsibility for the accident was put on the other driver. ▪ He puts much of the blame for his problems on the government.
b : to bet (an amount of money) on (someone or something)
▪ We put $2 on the favorite to win. ▪ putting money on horse races 3 put (someone or something) on (something) : to add (someone or something) to (a list or group of related things)
▪ She asked to have her name put on the list of candidates. ▪ They put her on the list. ▪ We put several new dishes on the menu. ▪ “Bartender, I'll have another beer.” “Okay, I'll put it on your bill.” 4 put (someone) on or put on (someone) chiefly US, informal : to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way : to trick or fool (someone) for amusement
▪ He said he knew the President, but I think he was just putting me on. [=(Brit) having me on] — see also 2put-on 5 — used to say that you would like to speak to someone on the phone ▪ Hi Dad. Could you put Mom on? [=could you give Mom the phone so that I can speak to her?] ▪ Put Dave on the phone, please. 6 put (someone) on (something) : to tell (someone) to use or do (something)
▪ Her doctor put her on medication. [=her doctor prescribed medication for her] ▪ He decided to put himself on a diet. [=to go on a diet] 7 put (someone) on to (something) : to give (someone) information about (something) : to tell (someone) about (something that he or she did not know about before)
▪ A friend of mine put me on to this book in high school.
▪ She put on her new dress. ▪ Put on a hat and gloves. ▪ I'll put some clothes on and be right there.
b : to apply (something) to your face or body
▪ putting on lipstick/mascara/lotion ▪ She puts on far too much makeup. ▪ We tried to put on a happy/brave face [=we tried to appear happy/brave] despite our concern.
c : to add to or increase the amount of (something)
▪ The fire was getting low and we needed to put on more wood. ▪ She put on [=gained] 40 pounds during her pregnancy. ▪ He's put on some weight recently.
d : to cause (a machine, a light, etc.) to begin to work
▪ Would you mind if I put [=turned] the TV on? ▪ Somebody put on the lights.
e : to cause (something) to begin to be heard, seen, produced, etc.
▪ put on a record/CD/album ▪ putting on some music ▪ We put on the air-conditioning/heat in the car.
f : to start cooking or making (something)
▪ Let me know when to put on the rice. ▪ He put on a pot of coffee for his guests.
g : to produce (something that entertains people, such as a play, a party, etc.)
▪ They're putting on a concert. ▪ He always puts on a great show/performance. ▪ The town puts on a fireworks display every Independence Day. ▪ We are putting on a barbecue for everyone in the neighborhood.
▪ Responsibility for the accident was put on the other driver. ▪ He puts much of the blame for his problems on the government.
b : to bet (an amount of money) on (someone or something)
▪ We put $2 on the favorite to win. ▪ putting money on horse races
▪ She asked to have her name put on the list of candidates. ▪ They put her on the list. ▪ We put several new dishes on the menu. ▪ “Bartender, I'll have another beer.” “Okay, I'll put it on your bill.”
▪ He said he knew the President, but I think he was just putting me on. [=(Brit) having me on] — see also 2put-on
▪ Her doctor put her on medication. [=her doctor prescribed medication for her] ▪ He decided to put himself on a diet. [=to go on a diet]
▪ A friend of mine put me on to this book in high school.
put out [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) out or put out (something) a : to cause (something) to stop burning : extinguish
▪ She put the fire out by pouring water on it. ▪ She put out her cigarette in an ashtray.
b : to stop (something) from working
▪ Who put out [=turned off] the lights?
c : to take (something) outside and leave it there
▪ I put the dog out in the backyard before leaving the house. ▪ putting horses out to graze ▪ (US) Don't forget to put out the trash/garbage. = (Brit) Don't forget to put out the rubbish.
d : to extend (something) outward
▪ I put out my hand and he shook it eagerly. ▪ She put out her arm for them to stop.
e : to place (something) where people may use it
▪ He always put out a bowl of candy for the grandchildren. ▪ We should put out a few extra chairs in case more people arrive.
f : to produce (something)
▪ This small radiator puts out a surprising amount of heat. ▪ They will have to put out considerable effort to meet the deadline. ▪ It was early spring, and the trees were just starting to put out their leaves.
g : to make (something) available to be bought, used, etc.
▪ She plans to put out a new album in March. ▪ They need to be putting out cars that get better gas mileage. ▪ The information was given in a pamphlet put out by the university's health department. ▪ Researchers recently put out a report/study on the issue. ▪ The police have put out [=issued] a warrant for his arrest. ▪ Someone put the word out [=started telling people] that the police were looking for her. 2 put (someone) out or put out (someone) a : to annoy or bother (someone)
▪ All the attention didn't seem to put her out at all. ▪ I'm a little put out that no one called to tell me they would be late.
b : to cause (someone) to do extra work : to cause trouble for (someone)
▪ I hope my visit didn't put you out. [=didn't inconvenience you] ▪ Please don't put yourself out just for us.
c : to make (someone) unconscious
▪ The anesthesia put him out for a little over three hours.
d sports : to cause (someone) to be out in baseball or cricket
▪ The runner was put out at second base. — see also putout 3 chiefly US, informal + impolite : to have sex with someone
▪ Did she put out last night? 4 of a boat or ship : to leave a harbor or port
▪ The ship put out to sea.
▪ She put the fire out by pouring water on it. ▪ She put out her cigarette in an ashtray.
b : to stop (something) from working
▪ Who put out [=turned off] the lights?
c : to take (something) outside and leave it there
▪ I put the dog out in the backyard before leaving the house. ▪ putting horses out to graze ▪ (US) Don't forget to put out the trash/garbage. = (Brit) Don't forget to put out the rubbish.
d : to extend (something) outward
▪ I put out my hand and he shook it eagerly. ▪ She put out her arm for them to stop.
e : to place (something) where people may use it
▪ He always put out a bowl of candy for the grandchildren. ▪ We should put out a few extra chairs in case more people arrive.
f : to produce (something)
▪ This small radiator puts out a surprising amount of heat. ▪ They will have to put out considerable effort to meet the deadline. ▪ It was early spring, and the trees were just starting to put out their leaves.
g : to make (something) available to be bought, used, etc.
▪ She plans to put out a new album in March. ▪ They need to be putting out cars that get better gas mileage. ▪ The information was given in a pamphlet put out by the university's health department. ▪ Researchers recently put out a report/study on the issue. ▪ The police have put out [=issued] a warrant for his arrest. ▪ Someone put the word out [=started telling people] that the police were looking for her.
▪ All the attention didn't seem to put her out at all. ▪ I'm a little put out that no one called to tell me they would be late.
b : to cause (someone) to do extra work : to cause trouble for (someone)
▪ I hope my visit didn't put you out. [=didn't inconvenience you] ▪ Please don't put yourself out just for us.
c : to make (someone) unconscious
▪ The anesthesia put him out for a little over three hours.
d sports : to cause (someone) to be out in baseball or cricket
▪ The runner was put out at second base. — see also putout
▪ Did she put out last night?
▪ The ship put out to sea.
put over [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) over or put over (something) : to cause (something) to be clearly understood : to put (something) across
▪ He puts over very complicated concepts in a way that his students can understand. 2 put (yourself) over as (something) : to cause (yourself) to appear to be (a particular type of person)
▪ She puts herself over as [=makes other people believe that she is] a modern, independent woman. 3 put (something) over on (someone) : to lie about (something) to (someone) : to trick or deceive someone
▪ Don't try to put anything over on her. She'll see right through you.
▪ He puts over very complicated concepts in a way that his students can understand.
▪ She puts herself over as [=makes other people believe that she is] a modern, independent woman.
▪ Don't try to put anything over on her. She'll see right through you.
put paid to — see 2paid
put (someone) in mind of — see 1mind
put through [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) through or put through (something) : to cause (something) to be accepted or done successfully
▪ They put through a number of reforms. ▪ tax cuts that were put through by former administrations ▪ I asked Human Resources to help me put through [=to help me get] a transfer to a different department. 2 put (someone) through (something) : to pay for (someone) to attend (school)
▪ She has a full-time job and is putting herself through college. 3 put (someone or something) through (something) : to cause (someone or something) to experience (something)
▪ His doctor put him through a series of tests. ▪ She put her parents through a lot when she was a teenager. ▪ You've been put through quite an ordeal. ▪ I've been put through hell! ▪ We put that truck through a lot when we owned it. ▪ The new software still needs to be put through its paces [=it still needs to be tested] before it can be made available to the public. 4 put (someone or something) through or put through (someone or something) a : to cause a phone call from (someone) to be sent to another person's phone
▪ Please hold while I put you through (to the manager).
b : to cause (a phone call) to be sent to another person's phone
▪ Please hold while I put your call through (to the manager).
▪ They put through a number of reforms. ▪ tax cuts that were put through by former administrations ▪ I asked Human Resources to help me put through [=to help me get] a transfer to a different department.
▪ She has a full-time job and is putting herself through college.
▪ His doctor put him through a series of tests. ▪ She put her parents through a lot when she was a teenager. ▪ You've been put through quite an ordeal. ▪ I've been put through hell! ▪ We put that truck through a lot when we owned it. ▪ The new software still needs to be put through its paces [=it still needs to be tested] before it can be made available to the public.
▪ Please hold while I put you through (to the manager).
b : to cause (a phone call) to be sent to another person's phone
▪ Please hold while I put your call through (to the manager).
put to death — see death
put together [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) together or put together (something) a : to create (something) by joining or gathering parts together
▪ You'll need a screwdriver to put the toy together. ▪ They put their first band together when they were in high school. ▪ Help me put together a list of what we need at the store. ▪ She put a proposal together to give to the committee for consideration. ▪ Her outfit was very well put together. [=the parts looked good together]
b — used to say that someone or something is greater than the total of all the other people or things mentioned ▪ You're smarter than all of those other guys put together. 2 put (something) together with (something) : to add or combine (something) with (something)
▪ I never would have thought of putting this wine together with fish. ▪ The lack of rain put together with [=along with, combined with] the heat ruined many of the region's crops.
▪ You'll need a screwdriver to put the toy together. ▪ They put their first band together when they were in high school. ▪ Help me put together a list of what we need at the store. ▪ She put a proposal together to give to the committee for consideration. ▪ Her outfit was very well put together. [=the parts looked good together]
b — used to say that someone or something is greater than the total of all the other people or things mentioned ▪ You're smarter than all of those other guys put together.
▪ I never would have thought of putting this wine together with fish. ▪ The lack of rain put together with [=along with, combined with] the heat ruined many of the region's crops.
put up [phrasal verb] 1 put (something) up or put up (something) a : to place (something) in a higher position
▪ They put up the flag in the morning and take it down at night. ▪ Sit down. Put your feet up and relax. ▪ If you have a question, please put up [=raise] your hand. ▪ Stop! Put your hands up (over your head)! ▪ When she goes to work, she usually puts her hair up (in a ponytail).
b : to cause (something) to be on a wall, to hang from a ceiling, etc.
▪ She went around town putting up posters for the concert. ▪ I just put up new curtains.
c : to set or place (something) so that it stands up
▪ putting up a tent ▪ They put up a display of new products. ▪ They put up a “for sale” sign in front of their house.
d : to build (something)
▪ They're putting up a new office building on Main Street. ▪ putting up a fence
e : to make (something) available for people to buy or have
▪ The lamps were put up at auction. — often + for ▪ They put all of their possessions up for sale. ▪ They put the puppies up for adoption.
f : to provide (money, property, etc.) in order to pay for something
▪ They decided not to put up the money for her bail. ▪ They put up the company's assets as collateral on the loan.
g : to offer (something) as a prize
▪ The police have put up a $1,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
h chiefly Brit : to increase (something) : raise
▪ They are likely to put up interest rates again this year.
i US : to return (something) to the place where it belongs
▪ It's time to put up [=put away] your toys and get ready for bed. ▪ He washed, dried, and put up the dishes after dinner.
j chiefly US : to preserve (fruits, vegetables, etc.) to be used later : can
▪ Their grandmother spent the afternoon putting up peaches. 2 put up (something) a : to do (something) as a way of resisting or struggling against someone or something
▪ We're not leaving without putting up a fight. [=without fighting] ▪ As expected, the kids put up a fuss when we said it was time for bed. ▪ They are likely to put up stiff resistance to any new proposals.
b : to offer (something) as an argument, a suggestion, etc.
▪ She put up a good/solid argument in his defense. ▪ putting up a proposal
c : to score (points)
▪ They put up 20 points in the first half. ▪ She needs to put up big numbers [=to score a lot of points] in today's game. 3 a put (someone) up : to give food and shelter to (someone) : to allow or pay for (someone) to stay in someone's home, a hotel, etc., for the night
▪ Could you put me up for the night? ▪ His employers put him up at a hotel. ▪ We put our guests up in the spare bedroom.
b chiefly Brit : to stay in someone's home, a hotel, etc., for the night
▪ He put up with a friend while he was in town. ▪ putting up at a hotel 4 put (someone) up or put up (someone) : to choose or suggest (someone) to be a candidate or competitor
▪ The party put her up (as its candidate) for governor. ▪ They put up their best man to compete against the champion. 5 put (someone) up to (something) : to convince (someone) to do (something stupid or foolish)
▪ His friends put him up to (playing) the prank. ▪ Who put you up to this? 6 put up with (something or someone) : to allow (someone or something unpleasant or annoying) to exist or happen : tolerate
▪ At this school, we will not put up with bad behavior. ▪ I can't put up with much more of this. 7 put up or shut up informal — used to tell someone in a somewhat rude way to start doing something or to stop talking about it ▪ You've complained long enough. It's time to put up or shut up.
▪ They put up the flag in the morning and take it down at night. ▪ Sit down. Put your feet up and relax. ▪ If you have a question, please put up [=raise] your hand. ▪ Stop! Put your hands up (over your head)! ▪ When she goes to work, she usually puts her hair up (in a ponytail).
b : to cause (something) to be on a wall, to hang from a ceiling, etc.
▪ She went around town putting up posters for the concert. ▪ I just put up new curtains.
c : to set or place (something) so that it stands up
▪ putting up a tent ▪ They put up a display of new products. ▪ They put up a “for sale” sign in front of their house.
d : to build (something)
▪ They're putting up a new office building on Main Street. ▪ putting up a fence
e : to make (something) available for people to buy or have
▪ The lamps were put up at auction. — often + for ▪ They put all of their possessions up for sale. ▪ They put the puppies up for adoption.
f : to provide (money, property, etc.) in order to pay for something
▪ They decided not to put up the money for her bail. ▪ They put up the company's assets as collateral on the loan.
g : to offer (something) as a prize
▪ The police have put up a $1,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
h chiefly Brit : to increase (something) : raise
▪ They are likely to put up interest rates again this year.
i US : to return (something) to the place where it belongs
▪ It's time to put up [=put away] your toys and get ready for bed. ▪ He washed, dried, and put up the dishes after dinner.
j chiefly US : to preserve (fruits, vegetables, etc.) to be used later : can
▪ Their grandmother spent the afternoon putting up peaches.
▪ We're not leaving without putting up a fight. [=without fighting] ▪ As expected, the kids put up a fuss when we said it was time for bed. ▪ They are likely to put up stiff resistance to any new proposals.
b : to offer (something) as an argument, a suggestion, etc.
▪ She put up a good/solid argument in his defense. ▪ putting up a proposal
c : to score (points)
▪ They put up 20 points in the first half. ▪ She needs to put up big numbers [=to score a lot of points] in today's game.
▪ Could you put me up for the night? ▪ His employers put him up at a hotel. ▪ We put our guests up in the spare bedroom.
b chiefly Brit : to stay in someone's home, a hotel, etc., for the night
▪ He put up with a friend while he was in town. ▪ putting up at a hotel
▪ The party put her up (as its candidate) for governor. ▪ They put up their best man to compete against the champion.
▪ His friends put him up to (playing) the prank. ▪ Who put you up to this?
▪ At this school, we will not put up with bad behavior. ▪ I can't put up with much more of this.
