roller skate

¹

noun

1. a form of skate with four wheels or rollers instead of a runner, for use on a sidewalk or other surface offering traction.

roller-skate

²

or roll·er·skate

[ roh-ler-skeyt ]

verb (used without object)

, roll·er-skat·ed, roll·er-skat·ing.

1. to glide about by means of roller skates.

roller skate

noun

1. a boot or shoe with four small wheels attached that enable the wearer to glide swiftly over a floor or other surface
2. a device having clamps or straps for attaching such wheels to a boot or shoe

verb

1. intr to move on roller skates

Derived Forms

• roller skater, noun

Other Words From

• roller skater noun
• roller·skater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of roller skate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Origin of roller skate²

First recorded in 1870–75; v. use of roller skate

Example Sentences

A few are on roller skates, scooters and bicycles.

From Los Angeles Times

There are T-shirts, phones, watches, furniture, clocks, slippers, tents, wallets, trading cards, eye shadow and roller skates with Garfield’s leering image.

From New York Times

At first, the children zipping around on bikes, roller skates and skateboards took little notice of the world famous athlete riding among them.

From New York Times

To parse the different regional roller skating styles in metro Atlanta rinks, watch the traffic patterns.

From New York Times

While a strap is loosened, the 10-year-old says she “rides roller skates” and agrees that a new helmet will probably come in handy.

From Seattle Times