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
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
Not to mention, the 45-liter size is the maximum limit for carry-ons on most airlines.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 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
Steve Baltin, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
For now, the top leader appears determined to carry on his crusade against corruption and disloyalty.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on 
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Noun
The woman, 29, arrived at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand on a flight from Vancouver on December 8 carrying the illicit drugs in her carry-on bag, according to a release from the New Zealand Customs Service.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
Not to mention, the 45-liter size is the maximum limit for carry-ons on most airlines.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 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
Are there contemporary artists that really inspire you and have carried on folk?
—Steve Baltin, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
For now, the top leader appears determined to carry on his crusade against corruption and disloyalty.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on
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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 27 Dec. 2024.
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