roll·er-coast·er
ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər 
ˈrō-lə-ˌkō-
: marked by numerous ups and downs
an entertainer's roller-coaster career
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
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
This has been a roller-coaster first postseason for Wembanyama.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Fiesta Texas in San Antonio Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is both an amusement and water park, featuring thrilling roller coasters and rides for kids.
—Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Adjective
The fans who stayed until the end of Thursday’s loudly saluted the Ducks for the roller-coaster ride this club took them on this season.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
This has been a roller-coaster first postseason for Wembanyama.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Noun
This is the ultimate immersive experience for a Broadway fan, as you’re immediately brought into the action of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, all timed perfectly with the thrilling drops, twists, and turns of an actual roller coaster.
—Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Fiesta Texas in San Antonio Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is both an amusement and water park, featuring thrilling roller coasters and rides for kids.
—Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for roller-coaster
Cite this Entry
“Roller-coaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roller-coaster. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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