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Ferris wheel

noun

Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- How to pronounce Ferris wheel (audio)
ˈfe-rəs-
: an amusement device consisting of a large upright power-driven wheel carrying seats that remain horizontal around its rim

Examples of Ferris wheel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition to the small shops, the market boasts an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Nov. 2025 Christmas at the Princess also features a 6,000-square-foot ice rink, a 120-foot-tall Ferris wheel, fire tables and experiences with Santa (until Christmas Eve). Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 20 Nov. 2025 The Ferris wheel would be part of a controllable festival street that could be closed or expanded for special events like game days, according to the master plan presentation. Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Nov. 2025 Experience 50-plus rides, including the 150-foot-high Eye in the Sky Ferris wheel with a kaleidoscope of colors that can be seen from the Palmetto Expressway. Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Ferris wheel

Word History

Etymology

G. W. G. Ferris †1896 American engineer

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ferris wheel was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Ferris wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ferris%20wheel. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

Ferris wheel

noun
Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- How to pronounce Ferris wheel (audio)
: an amusement ride consisting of a large vertical wheel that is driven by a motor and has seats around its rim
Etymology

named for G. W. G. Ferris 1859–1896 American engineer

More from Merriam-Webster on Ferris wheel

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