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

Use mats and coasters to protect the surface. —Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

The coaster features more than 13,123 feet of track, is nearly 640 feet tall, and reaches speeds of over 155 miles per hour with more than 3 minutes of ride time, according to Neil Dwyer, the park's vice president of operations, who spoke at the opening ceremony. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile Spitfire is the tallest inverting, triple-launch coaster and Gyrospin is the world’s tallest pendulum ride. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025

The Magic Flyer’s original home was at the former Beverly Park in Beverly Hills where the coaster was known as the Little Dipper. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 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