carry

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to sing or play against other voices or parts

   They cannot carry a tune.

2. 2
   verb

   to be able to feed

   This land will carry ten cows to the acre

3. 3
   verb

   to move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

   You must carry your camping gear.

4. 4
   verb

   to bear a crop

   this land does not carry olives

5. 5
   verb

   to pursue a line of scent or be a bearer

   The dog was taught to fetch and carry.

6. 6
   verb

   to transfer a number, cipher, or remainder to the next column or unit's place before or after, in addition or multiplication

   put down 5 and carry 2

7. 7
   verb

   to have on hand

   Do you carry kerosene heaters?

8. 8
   verb

   to have on the surface, or on the skin

   The boat's hull carried many scratches.

Etymology

From Middle English carien, from Anglo-Norman carier (modern French charrier); from a derivative of Latin carrus (“four-wheeled baggage wagon”), ultimately of Gaulish origin. Compare also Middle English cairen (“to go, bring carry”), whence Modern English cair, with which it was confused.