roller-coaster

1 of 2

adjective

roll·​er-coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər How to pronounce roller-coaster (audio)
ˈrō-lə-ˌkō-
: marked by numerous ups and downs
an entertainer's roller-coaster career

roller coaster

2 of 2

noun

roll·​er coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər How to pronounce roller coaster (audio)
ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-
1
: an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) constructed with sharp curves and steep inclines on which cars roll
2
: something resembling a roller coaster
especially : behavior, events, or experiences characterized by sudden and extreme changes
an emotional roller coaster

Examples of roller-coaster in a Sentence

Noun We went for a ride on the roller coaster. The divorce was an emotional roller coaster for both of them.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Pivetta was solid with the Red Sox, but his 2024 season was quite a roller-coaster ride. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Five teams move up a spot in roller-coaster season, while Mother McAuley enters the rankings. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
The affidavit from Danielle Hegseth, who was previously married to Pete Hegseth’s brother, dropped as the clock continues to wind down on Hegseth’s nomination, which has been a roller coaster ever since he was tapped for the job more than two months ago. Al Weaver, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025 Option 3: The free-agent market Sam Darnold The skinny (from Alec Lewis): Think of your favorite roller coaster. Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for roller-coaster 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1940, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roller-coaster was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near roller-coaster

roller chain

roller-coaster

roller coaster

Cite this Entry

“Roller-coaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roller-coaster. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

roller coaster

noun
roll·​er coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər How to pronounce roller coaster (audio)
ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-
: an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) with sharp curves and steep slopes on which cars roll
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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