Ferris wheel

noun

Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- 

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

Morey's Piers dismantled the giant Ferris wheel last fall and sent its center hub to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia to be repaired. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

The festival also featured carnival-style rides, including bounce houses and a Ferris wheel for children. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026

On Valentine’s Day, there will be live DJ performances adjacent to the Ferris wheel. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026

Take a ride on the 20-story SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, located in Centennial Olympic Park, to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

G. W. G. Ferris †1896 American engineer

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Ferris wheel

• afebrile
• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• popliteal
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal

Kids Definition

Ferris wheel

noun

Fer·​ris wheel ˈfer-əs- 

: 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