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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
Not a bad present, considering Williams gave away Beis carry-on luggage and duffle bags to Hornets employees last year.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Dec. 2025
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
Handy Laundry Rolling Tree Storage Bag Moving your artificial tree can be as easy as wheeling carry-on luggage thanks to this rolling bag.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
Merchants gathered around Gifu, selling their crafts like pottery, washi paper and sake – and those traditions carry on today.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Noun
Cashmere under $100 is the real headline here, offering luxe warmth that’s lightweight enough for carry-ons and layering.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
Not a bad present, considering Williams gave away Beis carry-on luggage and duffle bags to Hornets employees last year.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
The collection of six different-sized bags will fit easily into your carry-on or checked bag, saving up to 40 percent more packing space than traditional cubes, according to the brand.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
Handy Laundry Rolling Tree Storage Bag Moving your artificial tree can be as easy as wheeling carry-on luggage thanks to this rolling bag.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Their partnership, Simmons recalled, improved as the year carried on.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
Merchants gathered around Gifu, selling their crafts like pottery, washi paper and sake – and those traditions carry on today.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
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 Jan. 2026.
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