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

East coasters will need to get strategic about their vantage points, as the moon will be close to setting, and therefore near the west horizon, when totality commences. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 1 Mar. 2026

There are golden urns on the Oval Office fireplace mantel and golden coasters on the coffee table. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

The Arlington theme park is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year with a yearlong celebration, including new entertainment, park-wide enhancements and a world-recording breaking coaster. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026

Among fan-favorite rides returning this year are the Ferris wheel, the Super Cyclone coaster and the Mega Drop. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 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