ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carrying

v. · n.
US //ˈkæɹiɪŋ// UK //kˈæɹɪɪŋ// car·ry·ing
  1. 1 holding and moving (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    holding something and moving it from one place to another.

    the act of transporting or conveying something while supporting its weight.

    Example

    She was carrying a heavy box of books up the stairs to her new apartment.

    Example

    The porters were seen carrying the diplomat's luggage through the crowded terminal with remarkable speed and efficiency.

    Usage

    Often used with 'around' to imply moving with an object for a long time.
  2. 2 having on your person (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having something with you in your pocket, bag, or hand.

    possessing or bearing something on one's person.

    Example

    Are you carrying any cash, or should we find a bank machine?

    Example

    The suspect was apprehended while carrying several items of identification that did not belong to him.

    Usage

    Commonly used in legal or security contexts regarding weapons or identification.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 supporting weight (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    holding up the weight of something so it does not fall.

    supporting the weight of a structure or object.

    Example

    These old wooden pillars are still carrying the weight of the entire roof.

    Example

    Engineers expressed concern that the central beams were no longer capable of carrying the load required by the new floor plan.
  2. 4 transportation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the act or business of moving goods.

    the physical act of transporting goods or the capacity to do so.

    Example

    The cost of carrying the equipment across the border was higher than expected.

    Example

    The logistics firm specialises in the carrying of hazardous materials across international maritime boundaries.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a gerund noun in formal or technical logistics contexts.

© 2026 English Reference