merry-go-round

[ mer-ee-goh-round ]

noun

1. Also called carousel. (in amusement parks, carnivals, etc.) a revolving, circular platform with wooden horses or other animals, benches, etc., on which people may sit or ride, usually to the accompaniment of mechanical or recorded music.
2. a rapid whirl or a busy round, as of social life or business affairs.

merry-go-round

noun

1. another name for roundabout
2. a whirl of activity or events

   the merry-go-round of the fashion world

Word History and Origins

Origin of merry-go-round¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Of course, in the merry-go-round world of Israeli politics, no-one will be shocked if this is not the last we hear from Gallant.

From BBC

The wind is bitterly cold and the mini dragon roller-coaster and merry-go-round we are looking at both stand empty and still.

From BBC

The lead counsel at the public inquiry called this a “merry-go-round of buck-passing”.

From BBC

"But it seems to be the playbook and and we're back on this merry-go-round again,"

From BBC

Nowadays their fatigue with so much doing has led to many women — and men — trading disappointment and frustration for removing themselves from the dating merry-go-round.

From Salon

Related Words

• amusement
• distraction
• fun
• pastime
• pleasure

More About Merry Go Round

What is a merry-go-round?

A merry-go-round is an amusement park ride that consists of a revolving, circular platform with wooden horses or other fixtures, as in Sofia and Camila begged their parents to ride the merry-go-round with them.  

A merry-go-round is also known as a carousel. People sit on the fixtures, while the platform goes around slowly and cheery (some might say “cheesy”) music plays.

Merry-go-round can also be used figuratively to refer to a whirl, or a busy round, of activity, as in Sports fans are always delighted by the merry-go-round of the trading season. 

Example: I always enjoyed listening to carnival music when I rode the merry-go-round as a kid. 

Where does merry-go-round come from?

The first records of merry-go-round come from around 1720. The name most likely comes from the fact that riders “go (a)round” in circles and are hopefully merry while they do so.

Merry-go-rounds are common attractions at amusement parks. The ride is gentle and is usually safe even for younger children. Sometimes, a merry-go-round features hanging rings, often made of brass, that riders can attempt to grab as they rotate around. From this practice we get the phrase brass ring, which means “wealth or success” or “an opportunity to try for a prize.”

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for merry-go-round?

• carousel
• whirlwind
• flurry
• tumult

What are some words that share a root or word element with merry-go-round? 

• merry
• go
• around

What are some words that often get used in discussing merry-go-round?

• ride
• amusement park
• carnival
• music
• horses

How is merry-go-round used in real life?

The merry-go-round is a common amusement park ride, and the word is commonly used both in the literal and figurative senses.

my sibling isn’t little anymore so i can’t use em as an excuse to ride the merry go round 😡😔

— iliana chavarria ;) (@ilianajazlyn) February 9, 2020

An adult does not feel free to ride a merry-go-round alone, and that is our loss.

— Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) July 5, 2010

Life is a ride on a merry-go-round from which we can't get off… let's make it worth the price of the ticket!

— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 8, 2013

Try using merry-go-round!

Is merry-go-round used correctly in the following sentence?

Alexa was quickly overwhelmed by the chaotic merry-go-round of the Hollywood film world.