roller-coaster

adjective

roll·er-coast·er | \ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər,

ˈrō-lə-ˌkō-\

Definition of roller-coaster

(Entry 1 of 2)

: marked by numerous ups and downs an entertainer's roller-coaster career

roller coaster

noun

roll·er coast·er | \ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər,

ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-\

Definition of roller coaster (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) constructed with sharp curves and steep inclines on which cars roll

2 : something resembling a roller coaster especially : behavior, events, or experiences characterized by sudden and extreme changes an emotional roller coaster

Examples of roller-coaster in a Sentence

Noun

We went for a ride on the roller coaster. The divorce was an emotional roller coaster for both of them.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And the biggest challenge has not letting that roller coaster impact Zahra. — Lainey Seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Keepers at Milwaukee County Zoo worked 24/7 to care for baby gorilla after its parents died," 29 June 2018 Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster, covers Andy's backyard at Toy Story Land. — Marjie Lambert, miamiherald, "Who are the real brains behind Disney's Toy Story Land? Not Buzz Lightyear," 29 June 2018 My attitude toward Formula 1 has been on a real roller coaster over the course of my lifetime. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "In Formula 1, you have to be amazing just to be average," 26 June 2018 The neighborhood, as colorful as ever, makes Hart think about Woody Allen’s Annie Hall character living under the roller coaster on Coney Island. — Paul Jablow, Philly.com, "A South Street apartment's journey from eclectic to psychedelic and back again," 19 June 2018 Dramatic cellphone video shows the frantic moments after a roller coaster derailed in Daytona Beach, Florida, leaving some riders helplessly dangling from the coaster's cars and sending six people to the hospital Thursday night. — CBS News, "Daytona Beach roller coaster that derailed reportedly had a spotty maintenance record," 15 June 2018 His tone captures the roller coaster of emotions the Fever crowd’s experiencing. — Jordan Guskey, Indianapolis Star, "Local broadcaster Pat Boylan is a rising star," 15 June 2018 The Daytona Beach Fire Department posted images and videos on its Twitter account showing the scene at the dangling roller coaster car. — Jamiel Lynch, CNN, "2 people fall 34 feet after roller coaster derails in Daytona Beach," 14 June 2018 This year’s blooms made it through despite roller coaster weather. — Angela Fritz, Washington Post, "Giant, yellow sunflowers are in peak bloom in the Washington region," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'roller-coaster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.