Ferris wheel

[ fer-is ]

noun

1. an amusement ride consisting of a large upright wheel rotating on a fixed stand and having seats around its rim suspended freely so that they remain right side up as they revolve.

Ferris wheel

/ ˈfɛrɪs /

noun

1. a fairground wheel having seats freely suspended from its rim; the seats remain horizontal throughout its rotation

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ferris wheel¹

1890–95; named after G. W. G. Ferris (died 1896), American engineer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ferris wheel¹

C19: named after G.W.G. Ferris (1859–96), American engineer

Example Sentences

In better days, the Ferris wheel, pirate ship and outdoor trampoline — advertised as the biggest in Asia — would draw thousands of children a day.

From Los Angeles Times

Other attractions includes the Santa Monica Pier’s Ferris wheel, which will be lit up in Seventeen’s official colors — rose, quartz and serenity.

From Los Angeles Times

The sounds of laser guns from the nearby arcade join the predictable arc of the Ferris wheel in something that feels between nostalgic and therapeutic.

From Los Angeles Times

The West Harbor Wheel, as the Ferris wheel will be known, will be as high as 150 feet — about 50% higher than the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park amusement center on Santa Monica Pier, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The game between Laguna Beach, led by 6-foot-4 Minnesota commit Jackson Kollock, and Santa Monica, led by 6-3 junior Wyatt Brown, happened just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier, where the sandy beach and its famous ferris wheel attract tourists and visitors.

From Los Angeles Times