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

Were the bill to pass, would that leave the health secretary unable to carry on in his role?

From BBC

His team insist he would carry on, and point out other ministers in the health department disagree with him, so it is certain some health ministers will find themselves on the losing side of the argument.

From BBC

It is a combination of numbness and a stubborn determination to both protect myself and carry on.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• continue