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
Meaghan Kenny,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 July 2026
One of the most difficult parts of going carry-on-only in the summer is not being able to bring a full-sized sunscreen.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2026
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Four satellites, each smaller than a piece of carry-on luggage, were launched into low orbit in May.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Bosch has carried on regardless, and still views the UK as an attractive place to do business.
—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Select suitcases and travel bags are marked down right now, including 20% off the Odyssey carry-on, the expandable backpack, and this puffy tote.
—
Meaghan Kenny,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 July 2026
One of the most difficult parts of going carry-on-only in the summer is not being able to bring a full-sized sunscreen.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2026
Adjective
Store the extras in your larger carry-on or checked bag.
—
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Four satellites, each smaller than a piece of carry-on luggage, were launched into low orbit in May.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
Verb
The Phillies were content to let former All-Star lefty Ranger Suarez sign with the Boston Red Sox, confident that Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and company could carry on without him.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Bosch has carried on regardless, and still views the UK as an attractive place to do business.
—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
22 June 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 3 Jul. 2026.
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