Definition of "carry-on" in English

adjective

1. Taken onto an airplane (or a ferry, etc.) with a passenger, rather than checked.

   • It's a compact suitcase, but it makes a good carry-on bag.

noun

1. That luggage or baggage which is taken onto an airplane (or a ferry, etc.) with a passenger, rather than checked.

   • Do you think they'll accept my ski poles as carry-on?

2. (countable, British, New Zealand) A palaver; a disorderly or absurd situation.