carry-on

1 of 3

noun

car·​ry-on ˈker-ē-ˌȯn How to pronounce carry-on (audio)
ˈka-rē-
-ˌän
Synonyms of carry-onnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
These rich-looking, Rothy loafers are cushy, breathable, and a packable no-brainer for your carry-on. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 June 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
Four satellites, each smaller than a piece of carry-on luggage, were launched into low orbit in May. ABC News, 26 June 2026 Kids can open the side latch to reveal a playset area complete with reclining seats and overhead compartments for carry-on luggage. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Verb
Do not use to cover a ceiling Do not carry the flag flat — and things should not be carried on it. Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 Coming off a hard year, six friends carry on their tradition of vacationing together — now with a baby in tow. Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for carry-on

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of carry-on was in 1638

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Carry-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry-on. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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
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