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 of carry-on
Relevance
Noun
Verb
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
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
This face mask comes in clever packaging, too: The jar is refillable, and the insert can be taken out, making the mask easier to pack in a carry-on or makeup bag.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 29 Apr. 2026
Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The situation began when the team realized the robot, together with its case, exceeded the airline’s 100-pound carry-on limit, said Ben-Abraham.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 May 2026
When Karin carried on that group’s theatrics and iconoclastic spirit into their solo work as Fever Ray, Olof slipped out of the spotlight.
—Will Lynch, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
Items of value, particularly smaller things that could be easily removed or concealed, should always be carried in person or within carry-on bags.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
This face mask comes in clever packaging, too: The jar is refillable, and the insert can be taken out, making the mask easier to pack in a carry-on or makeup bag.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Jetsetting college grads need a reliable carry-on to bring on flights, and this popular spinner bag doesn’t disappoint.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The situation began when the team realized the robot, together with its case, exceeded the airline’s 100-pound carry-on limit, said Ben-Abraham.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Verb
Hobie’s world is turned upside down when his daughter Charlie Vale (Jessica Belkin) shows up on his doorstep eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 May 2026
When Karin carried on that group’s theatrics and iconoclastic spirit into their solo work as Fever Ray, Olof slipped out of the spotlight.
—Will Lynch, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
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 13 May. 2026.
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