noun

rollercoaster

rollercoaster, big dipper

We went on the rollercoaster at the fair.

We went on the rollercoaster at the fair.

It's been an emotional rollercoaster.

It's been an emotional rollercoaster.

a/the rollercoaster a ride at a fairground We went on the rollercoaster at the fair.

an emotional rollercoaster a situation with many ups and downs It's been an emotional rollercoaster.

Synonyms: big dipper (old-fashioned)

A compound of 'roller' (something that rolls) and 'coaster' (something that moves by coasting/gravity).

Think of a 'coaster' (like a sled) that 'rolls' on a track. The name is very literal. It's also a common metaphor for ups and downs.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.