Ferris wheel

American

[fer-is] / ˈfɛr ɪs /

noun

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 British

/ ˈfɛrɪs /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Ferris wheel

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The ferris wheel will turn again, of course.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

And if Maxim’s $1 million weekend isn’t in the budget, Guy Fieri is hosting a free tailgate near the Strip’s giant ferris wheel.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

With the pier’s ferris wheel illuminating the background, they begin to hop, kick and twist their legs in unison, moving so fast they stun passersby.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2023

Often these venues have floor cheerleaders, strobe-light champagne bottles and other laugh-out-loud gimmicks like a ferris wheel inside a club.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2023

James went to watch the man with the cigar who operated the ferris wheel.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023