roller-coaster

adjective roll·er-coast·er \ ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər , ˈrō-lə-ˌkō- \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: roller-coaster in a Sentence

Definition of roller-coaster

: marked by numerous ups and downs

an entertainer's roller-coaster career

First Known Use of roller-coaster

1940

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

roller coaster

noun roll·er coast·er \ ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər , ˈrō-lē-ˌkō- \

Definition of roller coaster

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

See roller coaster defined for English-language learners

See roller coaster defined for kids

Examples of roller coaster in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of roller coaster from the Web

Among the identifiable sights from Toy Story Land are the orange rail for the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and the roof for the Aliens Swirling Saucers ride (with two dueling green discs atop).

— dewayne bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Disney World: New views of Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," 7 June 2018
After that, roller coasters are going to feel like light-rail rides to me.

— matt calkins, The Seattle Times, "Sure, I’ll go jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet if it brings this many Special Olympics smiles," 3 June 2018
Nikita Dragun's journey as a beauty influencer has been nothing short of a roller coaster jam-packed with some beautiful highs and some unfortunate lows.

— marci robin, Allure, "Beauty Vlogger Nikita Dragun Accused of Cultural Appropriation Over Hairstyle in Instagram Post," 15 May 2018
The park offers a dozen food stands, 20 family-style or kiddie rides, 13 roller coasters and high-intensity adventure rides, and an assortment of shops, photo booths and carnival-style games.

— don stacom, Courant Community, "For The 172nd Time, Lake Compounce Will Kick Off A Fresh Season," 4 May 2018
Sticking with the amusement park theme, the cake shows Kylie, Travis, and their daughter Stormi riding a roller coaster, and the details are actually insane.

— victoria rodriguez, Seventeen, "Kylie Jenner Rented Out Six Flags to Throw Travis Scott the Craziest Birthday Party Ever," 30 Apr. 2018
Gasoline prices can resemble roller coasters and just a few years ago the story was very different.

— rob nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "ARRGGHH!! $4 gasoline is back at some stations," 30 Mar. 2018
Ferrari World has four roller coasters, and offers rides in a Ferrari with a professional driver.

— daniel michaels, WSJ, "In Sports Cars and Roller Coasters, Europe Zooms Ahead," 3 Mar. 2018
Ever ridden a roller coaster and wished your seat could also spin?

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "World's 'fastest, steepest' spinning roller coaster to debut at Silver Dollar City | The Kansas City Star," 28 Feb. 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.

First Known Use of roller coaster

1883

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

ROLLER-COASTER Defined for English Language Learners

roller coaster

noun

Definition of roller coaster for English Language Learners

: a ride at an amusement park which is like a small, open train with tracks that are high off the ground and that have sharp curves and steep hills
: a situation or experience that involves sudden and extreme changes