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 carrier will charge passengers for stowing carry-on bags in the overhead compartments, beginning in February 2027. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

True to its purpose, though, the vehicle has room in the front for two carry-on size bags. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Four satellites, each smaller than a piece of carry-on luggage, were launched into low orbit in May. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

Their lightweight fabric feels especially welcome in hot, humid destinations, and the relaxed silhouette works with sneakers, sandals, or whatever shoes made it into your carry-on. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Verb

Fortune’s intrepid tech editor, Alexei Oreskovic, and his merry band of reporters will carry on in my absence. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

The law requires maritime goods transported between American ports be carried on ships built and operated by Americans, and Phillips 66 has received around 20% of all exemptions granted. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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