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

“Now, pass on the torch to the others to carry on the fight you never chose.”

From BBC

Sadiq Khan told BBC London: “As long as I am mayor of this great city I will make sure we carry on with this fantastic policy.”

From BBC

Instead, Walker stated Gatland was the best coach in the world and the New Zealander carried on.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Salon

Related Words

• continue