coaster

noun

coast·​er ˈkō-stər 

1

: one that coasts: such as

a

: a person engaged in coastal traffic or commerce

b

: a ship sailing along a coast or engaged in trade between ports of the same country

2

: a resident of a seacoast

3

a

: a tray or decanter stand usually of silver and sometimes on wheels

b

: a shallow container or a plate or mat to protect a surface

4

a

: a small vehicle (such as a sled or wagon) used in coasting

b

: roller coaster

Examples of coaster in a Sentence

Set the glass on a coaster.

Recent Examples on the Web

The survey question on the dueling water coaster included a photo of the new RiverRacers water coaster that opened this summer at Kings Island’s Soak City water park. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

This marble checkers set will look right at home next to your coffee table books and coasters. —Jaclyn Kaufman May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025

The outdoor adventures continue in summer with scenic gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, ropes courses, and racing down the mountain on an alpine coaster. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025

The following selections span the gambit from absorbent coasters to rattan coasters to high-quality pieces that are only occasionally dishwasher-safe—sorry. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coaster

• coaster brake
• coaster wagon
• roller coaster

Rhymes for coaster

• poster
• roaster
• toaster
• paternoster

Kids Definition

coaster

noun

coast·​er ˈkō-stər 

1

: one that coasts

especially : a ship engaged in coastal trade

2

a

: a round tray usually of silver and sometimes on wheels

b

: a shallow container or a plate or a mat to protect a surface

3

: a small vehicle (as a sled or wagon) for coasting