roller-coaster

1 of 2

adjective

roll·​er-coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 

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 

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

Adjective

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 with a winner in the sixth minute of injury time while two European powerhouses crashed out in penalty shootouts in a roller-coaster day of elimination action. — David Hickey, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Both teams have had a roller-coaster group stage, but Germany has been the better of the two. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Noun

In 2023, the park turned itself into a top destination for roller coaster enthusiasts with the debut of ArieForce One, a record-breaking steel roller coaster. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Nearby Dubai also has a similar Vision 2030 diversification plan as do other local nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia which last year opened a Six Flags park with the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for roller-coaster

• paternoster
• coaster
• poster
• roaster
• toaster

Kids Definition

roller coaster

noun

roll·​er coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 

ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-

: an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) with sharp curves and steep slopes on which cars roll