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
Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2024
The best part is that most of these products created to make solo travel safer cost less than $30 and are TSA-approved for your carry-on.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 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
Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 25 June 2024
Before the day was over, the amp blew up, and soon the group followed suit, with Michael and Ridgeley agreeing to carry on alone.
—Todd Gold, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for carry-on 
Noun
And at less than 11 inches in length when folded, finding a spot for it in your carry-on or checked bag should be no trouble at all.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2024
The best part is that most of these products created to make solo travel safer cost less than $30 and are TSA-approved for your carry-on.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 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
Sika's legacy also carried on in WWE through his sons, Rosey and Roman Reigns, as well as the rest of his legendary family.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 25 June 2024
Before the day was over, the amp blew up, and soon the group followed suit, with Michael and Ridgeley agreeing to carry on alone.
—Todd Gold, Peoplemag, 25 June 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 2 Jul. 2024.
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