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

Take the kids to Playland’s Castaway Cove, which boasts an array of nostalgic attractions like coasters and swings. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

These marks are common and hard to avoid—McAllister says they can be caused by anything from a water glass without a coaster to a warm pizza box that’s just been delivered. —Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026

The wooden coaster has carried more than 27 million riders over its time and brings heart-stopping views of the Ozarks, while also being one of the longest-running wooden coasters in the nation. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026

The coaster is themed around Spain’s iconic running of the bulls tradition. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026

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