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.
   introften foll bywith 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

Example Sentences

The firms involved — Shell, Equinor, and Ithaca Energy — say they should be allowed to carry on with drilling because permission was granted in good faith under the law as it was understood at the time.

From BBC

It also said its reporters would be able to carry on using the site "for news-gathering purposes."

From BBC

"I thought, OK, well, if I carry on with what I'm doing, the staff will realise I'm not trying to steal - and they'll leave me alone."

From BBC

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Milena says quitting was a difficult decision but her mental health had deteriorated to a point where she couldn't carry on.

From BBC

Why did she carry on, and not complain?

From BBC

Related Words

• continue