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
Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024
The airline still charges for both carry-on and checked luggage.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 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
Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2024
And Wake Up Dead Man carries on the curious tradition of naming Knives Out sequels after songs by incredibly popular bands.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on 
Noun
With decorative buttons, a relaxed fit, and flattering midi length, the dress is easy to slip on and off, stylish enough to throw on top of a bathing suit, and, most importantly, lightweight enough to pack in your carry-on or duffel.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024
The airline still charges for both carry-on and checked luggage.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 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
Walker had spent time in graduate school sailing and knew these logbooks—the most important document carried on a ship, as insurance claims depended on its contents—would contain weather data of great interest to an ocean climate scientist like Ummenhofer.
—Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2024
And Wake Up Dead Man carries on the curious tradition of naming Knives Out sequels after songs by incredibly popular bands.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carry-on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
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