noun

rollercoaster

ROH-luh-kohs-tuh

Rollercoaster (noun) means an amusement park ride on a track that climbs, drops, and turns sharply. Example: “We screamed the whole way down on the rollercoaster.”

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noun

An amusement park ride on a track that climbs, drops, and turns sharply.

"We screamed the whole way down on the rollercoaster."

A situation marked by extreme, rapid ups and downs, especially emotionally.

"Her first year at university was an emotional rollercoaster."

How to use rollercoaster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the fairground ride, or, figuratively, a period full of dramatic highs and lows.

Common pairings

emotional rollercoaster ride the rollercoaster

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

rollercoasters plural

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We screamed the whole way down on the _____.

Etymology

A fusion of "roller" and "coaster", describing the ride's rolling, coasting motion.

Rhymes for rollercoaster

aster faster master taster Easter caster toaster plaster blaster disaster alabaster Lancaster

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rollercoaster” mean?

The word “rollercoaster” means an amusement park ride on a track that climbs, drops, and turns sharply. In plain terms, either the fairground ride, or, figuratively, a period full of dramatic highs and lows.

How do you pronounce “rollercoaster”?

“Rollercoaster” is pronounced ROH-luh-kohs-tuh (/ˈɹoʊlɚˌkoʊstɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rollercoaster” in a sentence?

Here is “rollercoaster” used in a sentence: “We screamed the whole way down on the rollercoaster.”

What part of speech is “rollercoaster”?

“Rollercoaster” is a noun.

How many meanings does “rollercoaster” have?

“Rollercoaster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an amusement park ride on a track that climbs, drops, and turns sharply.