Definition of "carry on" in English

Verb

1. To continue or proceed as before.

   • I’ll be gone for a few days, but I hope you will carry on in my absence.

2. To continue, maintain or pursue (an activity or enterprise).

   • to carry on commerce in a market
   • Carry on the good work.
   • It is difficult to carry on a conversation with so many distractions.

3. To persist, persevere.

   • keep calm and carry on

4. To talk continuously or prolongedly (about something), often in an excessively excited way.

   • He’s always carrying on about his stupid aquarium.

5. To act or behave; especially, to misbehave so as to attract attention; to make a fuss; to behave ostentatiously.

   • I really wish you wouldn't carry on like that in public!
   • I could hear some protestors hollering, but I wasn't close enough to make out what was happening. What were they carrying on about?

6. To have an illicit sexual or flirtatious relationship.

   • I thought he was my friend, but all the time he was carrying on with my wife!

Verb

1. To take baggage or luggage onto an airplane, rather than check it.

   • You may only carry on items that are smaller than a certain size.
   • You may carry them on if they fit within the limits.
   • Will you be checking any bags, or just carrying on?

Noun

1. alternative spelling of carry-on