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
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
Combined, these findings all point to the likelihood of widespread famine, the migration of large numbers of people seeking a more stable environment and the carry-on impact of geopolitical disorder.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 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
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
In the years since her death, Winehouse's legacy has been carried on through documentaries, a biography, a foundation and, most recently, a biopic.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
Throwing a pair of roomy, comfy slippers into your carry-on could be the key that unlocks a full night’s rest on your next long-haul flight.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
Combined, these findings all point to the likelihood of widespread famine, the migration of large numbers of people seeking a more stable environment and the carry-on impact of geopolitical disorder.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 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
But more so just to get that first one done, so that the progression can carry on, that’s the most exciting thing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
In the years since her death, Winehouse's legacy has been carried on through documentaries, a biography, a foundation and, most recently, a biopic.
—Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
Cite this Entry
“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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