Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Small or compact enough to be carried aboard and stowed on an airplane, train, or bus by a passenger.
  • noun A carry-on bag, suitcase, or other item.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Taken onto an airplane with a passenger, rather than checked.
  • noun That luggage or baggage which is taken onto an airplane with a passenger, rather than checked.
  • noun UK, New Zealand An activity that is done in an excessively excitable, or anxious manner.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • He was holding a small piece of luggage similar to a carry-on bag.

    Manifesting Michelangelo Joseph Pierce Farrell 2011

  • I was walking out my apartment, pulling my Ellen Tracy red crocodile carry-on behind me.

    Real wifeys Meesha Mink 2011

  • It continues to keep under review the possibility of charging for carry-on bags, as rival Ryanair Holdings PLC does.

    Fuel Prices Hit EasyJet Kaveri Niththyananthan 2011

  • “That was a little carry-on item starting with P,” Nilly said, and burped.

    Bubble in the Bathtub Jo Nesbo 2011

  • Until then, even as commercial passengers were forced to remove their shoes, limit the amount of shampoo in their carry-on luggage and endure pat downs, hundreds of foreigners with known or suspected ties to terrorism passed through security and successfully flew to the United States each year, U.S. officials told the AP.

    U.S. blocks 350 with suspected ties to terrorists 2011

  • On a recent flight, the attendant insisted that I check my carry-on because there was no space left.

    What’s Your Problem? 2010

  • More Airlines Balk at Tax Proposal "Ultra low cost" airlines have sprung up, led by Spirit Airlines Inc., which sells tickets for as little as $9, and makes its money charging passengers for such things as seat assignments and carry-on baggage.

    Airlines Are Driven to Nickel and Dime Susan Carey 2011

  • Weighing only eight ounces, this cute little speaker is light enough to toss in your carry-on and small enough to perch pretty much anywhere.

    The Untethered Sound System Michael Hsu 2011

  • On a recent flight, the attendant insisted that I check my carry-on because there was no space left.

    What’s Your Problem? 2010

  • The shift is planned as a first step, to be followed in 2013 by a complete lifting of the carry-on liquids restrictions at EU airports.

    New Luggage Rule in EU Sows Confusion Daniel Michaels 2011

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