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
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Adjective
Last Year The Cowboys experienced a bizarre, roller-coaster 2025 season, ultimately finishing 7-9-1 and failing to qualify for the postseason. David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 But it was filled with quicksilver, roller-coaster displays of virtuosity and the sly humor Lutoslawski and fellow Polish composer and pianist Andrzej Panufnik brought to their Paganini variations in its original 1941 iteration. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
None of this, however, stopped roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world from traveling to Magic Mountain for a chance to experience the first-of-its kind ride. Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Especially after a roller coaster last few years, in which the actress battled back-to-back health issues. Morgan Evans, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roller-coaster

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Roller-coaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roller-coaster. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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
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