carry-on

1 of 3

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

carry-on

2 of 3

adjective

: carried or suitable for being carried aboard

carry-on baggage

carry on

3 of 3

verb

carried on; carrying on; carries on

transitive verb

: to continue doing, pursuing, or operating

carry on research

carried on the business

intransitive verb

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

Noun

• suitcase

Verb

• act out
• misconduct
• disobey
• run riot
• raise Cain
• rebel
• act up

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

Noun

The Qataris glide past with their Rimowa carry-ons and flowing Dior hijabs; the Indonesians languidly adjust the time on their silver analog watches, text their drivers to pick them up at Arrivals. —Literary Hub, 22 May 2026

Below, shop all my carry-on bag-friendly outfits for any summer weekend getaway, starting at $10. —Melony Forcier, InStyle, 22 May 2026

Adjective

Aside from the endless wait for luggage upon arrival and the risk of losing a suitcase—which can send cortisol levels skyrocketing—traveling with only carry-on luggage creates a sense of freedom. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Here are the travel essentials currently earning permanent space in my carry-on. —Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

Verb

And to kind of carry on that legacy. —Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026

The speedboat carries on for a few minutes to Al Haria, today’s dive site. —Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1948, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1638, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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