car·ry-on
ˈker-ē-ˌȯn 
ˈka-rē-,
-ˌän
1
British
: carrying-on
2
: a piece of luggage suitable for being carried aboard an airplane by a passenger
: carried or suitable for being carried aboard
carry-on baggage
carried on; carrying on; carries on
: to continue doing, pursuing, or operating
carry on research
carried on the business
1
: to continue especially in spite of hindrance or discouragement
chose to carry on despite the weather
2
: to behave or speak in a foolish, excited, or improper manner
shocked at how he carries on
Synonyms
Examples of carry-on in a Sentence
Noun
the airline allows two carry-ons per person
Verb
a toddler crying and carrying on in the store
she bravely carried on despite the loss of her husband
Recent Examples on the Web
Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Plenty of suitcases and carry-on bags come with hidden pockets for a passport, currency and other valuables.
—Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2023
On Friday morning at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, a feline was discovered inside a passenger’s carry-on bag during a security screening.
—Forrest Brown, CNN, 3 Mar. 2023
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
But whatever the result, expect the indie film industry to carry on.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Noun
Even with the plush down insulation, the bag packs down to a compact size that’s ideal for backpacking or stowing in a carry-on bag.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Plenty of suitcases and carry-on bags come with hidden pockets for a passport, currency and other valuables.
—Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The compact case is smaller than a credit card, so it can easily be slid into your carry-on, personal item, or even your pocket without adding bulk.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2023
On Friday morning at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, a feline was discovered inside a passenger’s carry-on bag during a security screening.
—Forrest Brown, CNN, 3 Mar. 2023
Verb
His wartime London contains worlds within worlds, many of them unexpected, as Rita and George in their ways exemplify the old British mantra of keeping calm and carrying on, even when doing so seems impossible.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
But whatever the result, expect the indie film industry to carry on.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on
Articles Related to carry-on
Dictionary Entries Near carry-on
Cite this Entry
“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share