carry-on

1 of 3

noun

car·​ry-on ˈker-ē-ˌȯn How to pronounce carry-on (audio)
ˈka-rē-,
-ˌän
1
British : carrying-on
2
: a piece of luggage suitable for being carried aboard an airplane by a passenger

carry-on

2 of 3

adjective

: carried or suitable for being carried aboard
carry-on baggage

carry on

3 of 3

verb

carried on; carrying on; carries on

transitive verb

: to continue doing, pursuing, or operating
carry on research
carried on the business

intransitive verb

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

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
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 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1967, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1638, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of carry-on was in 1638

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 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

carry on

verb
1
: conduct entry 2 sense 2, manage
carries on a business
2
: to continue especially in spite of difficulties
still carrying on
3
: to behave badly
embarrassed at the way you carried on

More from Merriam-Webster on carry-on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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