Definition of ROLLER-COASTER (original) (raw)
: marked by numerous ups and downs
an entertainer's roller-coaster career
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics. —
Trefis Team, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Weather 'roller-coaster ride' is coming to Northeast The wintry mix and rain sweeping across the Northeast continued Monday as another run of bad weather was set to hit the region this week, meteorologists say. —Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
The emotional roller coaster that stories often invoke also plays a critical role in this process; as the narrative unfolds, the brain experiences a range of emotions, from tension in conflict to relief at resolution, which helps to forge a stronger and more lasting connection with the story. —Leslie Poston, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Glenelg Glenelg will have its own roller coaster, reindeer catapult and toy factory – made of wire and lights, of course. —Kiersten Hacker, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for roller-coaster 
Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
1940, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of roller-coaster was in 1883
Dictionary Entries Near roller-coaster
roller-coaster
roller coaster
Cite this Entry
“Roller-coaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roller-coaster. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 20 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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