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
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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
Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
The difference between counting down the minutes and barely noticing the time often comes down to what’s in your carry-on.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Vacuum Bags for Travel TikTok creators swear by vacuum-seal bags for squeezing more clothing into a carry-on.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
Presumably, Mike Tirico and others were aboard, ready to carry on NBC’s coverage of what the network has dubbed Legendary February.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for carry-on
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Noun
The Samsonite Medium Check-In Spinner is a more affordable alternative to Stewart’s Rimowa metallic carry-on, and right now, it’s deeply discounted at over $200 off.
—Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
The difference between counting down the minutes and barely noticing the time often comes down to what’s in your carry-on.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Grab three for $9 with this multipack and stash them in your carry-on for your next trip—your feet will thank me later.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Vacuum Bags for Travel TikTok creators swear by vacuum-seal bags for squeezing more clothing into a carry-on.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Police continue to monitor Nancy's home while the investigation into her disappearance carries on.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
Presumably, Mike Tirico and others were aboard, ready to carry on NBC’s coverage of what the network has dubbed Legendary February.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 9 Feb. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.
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