Ferris wheel

noun

Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- 

ˈfe-rəs-

: an amusement device consisting of a large upright power-driven wheel carrying seats that remain horizontal around its rim

Examples of Ferris wheel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are photos with Santa, light displays, ice skating, a Christmas village with a Ferris wheel and a sled ride down a snowy mountain, and more. —Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 12 Dec. 2025

The Drifters Ferris wheel sent riders floating in hot air balloons that soared soundlessly toward the glass dome above the park. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025

Gillian's Wonderland Pier, known for its Ferris wheel and roller coaster, closed in October 2024 after 94 years in business. —Alicia Roberts, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025

Wander through 25-plus interactive scenes, larger-than-life snow globes, and a winter carnival complete with a Ferris wheel and rides. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

G. W. G. Ferris †1896 American engineer

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Ferris wheel

• afebrile
• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• popliteal
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal

Kids Definition

Ferris wheel

noun

Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- 

: an amusement ride consisting of a large vertical wheel that is driven by a motor and has seats around its rim

Etymology

named for G. W. G. Ferris 1859–1896 American engineer