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
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Not all carry-ons are suitable for use on a hiking trail, and not all hiking packs should be used as a carry-on.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025
Calpak Evry Starter Bundle The bundle includes a carry-on suitcase, a large check-in suitcase, a five-piece packing cube set, and a luggage tag.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Washington — The US economy’s comeback in the second quarter was just revised higher again, and economists estimate that momentum carried on in the third quarter, underscoring the resilience of the world’s largest economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
Hair tools with cords are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage without these restrictions.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Not all carry-ons are suitable for use on a hiking trail, and not all hiking packs should be used as a carry-on.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Kistore Cropped Cardigan A cropped cardigan is such a space-saver in your carry-on, and this navy version goes with practically anything.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025
Calpak Evry Starter Bundle The bundle includes a carry-on suitcase, a large check-in suitcase, a five-piece packing cube set, and a luggage tag.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
While Cafe 333 won’t be vegan, Martin hopes to carry on the spirit of kindness that Cafe Gratitude sought to maintain.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Washington — The US economy’s comeback in the second quarter was just revised higher again, and economists estimate that momentum carried on in the third quarter, underscoring the resilience of the world’s largest economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2025.
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