roller-coaster

1 of 2

adjective

roll·​er-coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 

ˈrō-lə-ˌkō-

: marked by numerous ups and downs

an entertainer's roller-coaster career

roller coaster

2 of 2

noun

roll·​er coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 

ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-

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

Adjective

As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks delivered better returns with less risk than the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster experience, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Uncertainty over tariff policy, shakiness on the path of interest rates – and now the U.S.'s involvement in attacks in the Middle East – have sent stocks on a roller-coaster ride. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 23 June 2025

Noun

In today’s economic roller coaster, control is your seat belt. —Mike De Vere, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

For a dash of whimsy, head to Tivoli Gardens, the century-old amusement park, with vintage roller coasters twisting through lush landscaping. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1940, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for roller-coaster

• paternoster
• coaster
• poster
• roaster
• toaster

Kids Definition

roller coaster

noun

roll·​er coast·​er ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 

ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-

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