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
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Each of the airline’s economy tickets now also include both a personal item and a 22-pound carry-on bag.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 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
Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
However, the character of the 1956 home has very much carried on decades later in its three bedroom, four bedroom space — even with some matching wallpaper and bedspreads.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for carry-on 
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Noun
Prices are current as of Jan. 27 and include fees and a carry-on bag.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Each of the airline’s economy tickets now also include both a personal item and a 22-pound carry-on bag.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 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
However, a handful of events will carry on with a charitable component, including the starry Clive Davis party and MusiCares tribute concert.
—Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
However, the character of the 1956 home has very much carried on decades later in its three bedroom, four bedroom space — even with some matching wallpaper and bedspreads.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025
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 30 Jan. 2025.
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