coaster

noun

coast·​er ˈkō-stər 

1

: one that coasts: such as

a

: a person engaged in coastal traffic or commerce

b

: a ship sailing along a coast or engaged in trade between ports of the same country

2

: a resident of a seacoast

3

a

: a tray or decanter stand usually of silver and sometimes on wheels

b

: a shallow container or a plate or mat to protect a surface

4

a

: a small vehicle (such as a sled or wagon) used in coasting

b

: roller coaster

Examples of coaster in a Sentence

Set the glass on a coaster.

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no question that the rides were to be endured rather than enjoyed: the wild whiplash of the Barnstormer coaster, the body-battering Primeval Whirl, the brain-blendering Mad Tea Party, the galactic upchuck generator Star Tours. —Darryn King, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Guests can relax in one of two wave pools at Boulder Beach Bay or take on the 925-foot-long Eagle Hunt, the longest dueling water coaster in the country. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025

Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, a mountain coaster whose track covers more than half a mile and climbs and dips through the trees. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders will fly over Isle of Berk; Curse of the Werewolf will be a coaster with spinning cars in Dark Universe; and Stardust Racers, operating in Celestial Park, will be a dual-launch racing ride. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coaster

• coaster brake
• coaster wagon
• roller coaster

Kids Definition

coaster

noun

coast·​er ˈkō-stər 

1

: one that coasts

especially : a ship engaged in coastal trade

2

a

: a round tray usually of silver and sometimes on wheels

b

: a shallow container or a plate or a mat to protect a surface

3

: a small vehicle (as a sled or wagon) for coasting