carry-on

[kar-ee-on, -awn]

adjective

1. of a size and shape suitable for being carried onto and stowed in the passenger compartment of an airplane.

   carry-on luggage.

noun

1. a piece of carry-on luggage.

carry on

verb

1. (intr) to continue or persevere

   we must carry on in spite of our difficulties

2. (tr) to manage or conduct

   to carry on a business

3. informal,  to have an affair

4. informal,  (intr) to cause a fuss or commotion

noun

1. informal,  a fuss or commotion

adjective

1. (of luggage) to be taken inside an aircraft by hand personally by a passenger

Word History and Origins

Origin of carry-on¹

First recorded in 1950–55; adj., noun use of verb phrase carry on

Idioms and Phrases

Maintain, conduct, as in The villagers carried on a thriving trade , or They carried on a torrid love affair . [c. 1600]

Continue or progress, persevere, as in I'm sure you can carry on without me . [Mid-1600s]

Behave in an excited, improper, or silly manner, as in They laughed and sang and carried on rather noisily . [Early 1800s]

Flirt, engage in an illicit love affair, as in She accused her friend of carrying on with her husband . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Make sure to pack some patience in your carry-on.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, companies implemented pricing algorithms to ensure flights stayed fully booked and began charging for basic amenities including carry-on bags, legroom, food and blankets, according to Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“With airports expected to be busy, we ask all passengers to allow for extra travel time, pack their patience, and carry-on kindness this holiday season.”

Read more on Barron's

Archer’s Lentell is confident the public will embrace the company’s eVTOL aircraft dubbed Midnight, which carries a pilot, four passengers and carry-on luggage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When he travels, Sanjay Padval, the director of product at San Francisco tech company Vanta, follows a simple packing regimen: a couple shirts or polos, nice slacks or chinos, shoes and workout clothes, all in a carry-on.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• continue