carry-on

noun

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

Synonyms of carry-on

• suitcase

Examples of carry-on in a Sentence

the airline allows two carry-ons per person

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the carry-on staple that earns a permanent spot in your lineup. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026

From the aluminum carry-on for weekend getaways to the extra-large rolling trunk with enough room for a three-week vacation, some of our editors’ favorite suitcases are from Tumi. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Authorities allege that a search of his carry-on backpack revealed an M-type explosive device, a torch lighter capable of igniting it, a knife, scissors, a scissor blade, an aerosol can and zip ties. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

Investigators allege his carry-on bag contained an M-type explosive device, a torch lighter capable of igniting it, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can and zip ties. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carry-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon
• epsilon

Kids Definition

carry on

verb

1

: conduct entry 2 sense 2, manage

carries on a business

2

: to continue especially in spite of difficulties

still carrying on

3

: to behave badly

embarrassed at the way you carried on