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

Cowboys-Jets The Cowboys’ roller-coaster season now takes them to New Jersey for a matchup with the winless New York Jets. —Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

After a roller-coaster ride of a season so far, the bullpen hierarchy might be taking shape with trade deadline acquisition David Bednar emerging as the likely postseason closer. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Noun

The Lost Boys is one of Schumacher's most deliciously gonzo films, an unceasingly fun roller coaster ride of fangs, big hair, and brilliantly gooey practical effects. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025

The entire scene unfolded on Neuheisel’s network, which invited viewers to witness the emotional roller coaster of a father rooting for his son. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 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