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
Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
You’re also allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you.
—Essence, 13 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
Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025
When Gianni was murdered in 1997, suddenly Donatella was responsible for carrying on the brand and the legacy, alone.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
My mom’s 30-year career has taken her all over the United States, and over the years, she’s picked up some genius tricks to simplify travel, including how to pack a carry-on.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
You’re also allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you.
—Essence, 13 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
Students from Central Academy transferring to the Eagle and Meridian academies would have the option of attending morning or afternoon instruction — or carrying on with full-day instruction.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025
When Gianni was murdered in 1997, suddenly Donatella was responsible for carrying on the brand and the legacy, alone.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
Articles Related to carry-on
Cite this Entry
“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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