coaster

[ koh-ster ]

noun

1. a person or thing that coasts.
2. a small dish, tray, or mat, especially for placing under a glass to protect a table from moisture.
3. a ship engaged in coastwise trade.
4. a sled for coasting.
5. a tray for holding a decanter to be passed around a dining table.
6. roller coaster.

Coaster

¹

/ ˈkəʊstə /

noun

1. a person from the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand

coaster

²

/ ˈkəʊstə /

noun

1. a vessel or trader engaged in coastal commerce
2. a small tray, sometimes on wheels, for holding a decanter, wine bottle, etc
3. a person or thing that coasts
4. a protective disc or mat for glasses or bottles
5. short for roller coaster
6. a European resident on the coast

Word History and Origins

Origin of coaster¹

First recorded in 1565–75; coast + -er ¹

Example Sentences

"I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming. This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey," he said.

From Salon

Seen that way, friendships are love affairs, if platonic ones — and just as much of a roller coaster as romantic ones.

From Los Angeles Times

These ceramic, cork-backed coasters, which come in sets of four, may be made in China and sold by a Seattle-based company, but what they showcase while supporting your beverage of choice is pure SoCal.

From Los Angeles Times

With more than 100 images of everything from the carousel to the coaster to cafes, this book will charm any Angeleno who has ever walked, surfed, swam, eaten, flirted or gazed at the pier.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you’re on the expectation roller coaster — it’s going to be this way or that way, everything is going to burn up or be wonderful — it takes its toll.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• plate