Ferris wheel

American  

[fer-is] / ˈfɛr ɪs /

noun

Ferris wheels plural

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.

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Ferris wheel British  

/ ˈfɛrɪs /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Ferris wheels
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Ferris wheel

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

Example Sentences

Across the water, Ain Dubai -- the world's tallest Ferris wheel -- has stopped turning, and the Madame Tussauds wax museum below is drawing few visitors despite hefty discounts.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

“Isn’t there a Ferris wheel on the beach?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The smell of roasted almonds, caramelised apples, chocolate-coated fruit, mulled wine and grilled sausages fills the air, as Christmas carols are performed live on a stage and children enjoy a small, sparkling Ferris wheel.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

There’s a moving roller coaster and Ferris wheel and tiny pedestrians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

But standing there, he’s just the same Luke Messenger from yesterday, the one who sat beside her on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier and wouldn’t open his eyes the entire time.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti