Real Dictionary

carry on
phrasal verb: If you carry on an activity, you do it or take part in it for a period of time.
phrasal verb: If you carry on doing something, you continue to do it.

carry on in American English
to engage in; conduct
to manage; conduct

carry on in British English
to continue or persevere
adjective: (of luggage) to be taken inside an aircraft by hand personally by a passenger
noun: a fuss or commotion

carry-on
adjective: Carry-on baggage or luggage is the bags that you take inside an aeroplane with you.

carry-on in American English
designating lightweight luggage designed to be carried onto an airplane by a passenger, esp. if small enough to fit under an airplane seat or in an overhead compartment
such a piece of luggage
adjective: of a size and shape suitable for being carried onto and stowed in the passenger compartment of an airplane
noun: a piece of carry-on luggage

carry-on in British English
noun: a fuss or commotion