rollercoaster
|roll-er-coast-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈroʊlərˌkoʊstər/
🇬🇧
/ˈrəʊləˌkəʊstə/
sudden changes
Etymology
'rollercoaster' originates from the combination of 'roller' and 'coaster', where 'roller' refers to the rolling motion and 'coaster' refers to a type of sled or cart.
'rollercoaster' evolved from the early 19th-century term 'roller coaster', which described a sled ride on ice or snow, and eventually became associated with the amusement park ride.
Initially, it referred to a sled ride, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of an amusement park ride and metaphor for fluctuating experiences.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of amusement ride that consists of a track with tight turns, steep slopes, and sometimes inversions, on which people ride in open cars.
The rollercoaster at the amusement park is thrilling.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a situation or experience that involves sudden and extreme changes.
The stock market has been a rollercoaster this year.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40