# pull on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pull-on
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to put on a piece of clothing, especially when you do it quickly or the item is tight.

For teachers: To don a garment, often implying haste or the physical effort of sliding the item over the body. The verb is transitive and allows for the object to be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Examples

- I pull on my boots before going outside.
- It was freezing in the house, so she quickly pulled on a thick sweater before making coffee.
- The firefighters had only seconds to pull on their heavy protective gear before the truck sped away toward the rising smoke on the horizon.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is most common with items like socks, boots, sweaters, and gloves.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'put on' to show that 'pull on' emphasizes the physical action or the speed of the movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.