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
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
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
The ample 25,000 mAh battery will keep all your gadgets topped up and is safe to fly with in your carry-on.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 28 Mar. 2025
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
Kyle J. Russell, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Following the passing of Alabama bandmember Jeff Cook in November 2022, Owen and Gentry carry on Alabama’s mission of bringing the group’s music to fans.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
The versatile Diem Weekender Duffel is the perfect size to take in-flight with you as a carry-on, and it’s designed with a smooth, water-resistant exterior that will keep your belongings dry even if you’re caught in a surprise storm.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
The ample 25,000 mAh battery will keep all your gadgets topped up and is safe to fly with in your carry-on.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 28 Mar. 2025
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
Fast forward to today, and Jonathan is carrying on the family’s tradition of quality craftsmanship — but in an entirely different world and country, his family having moved to America in the late 1970s.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Following the passing of Alabama bandmember Jeff Cook in November 2022, Owen and Gentry carry on Alabama’s mission of bringing the group’s music to fans.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
Cite this Entry
“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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