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

You’ll spy a small train coaster, a mini Ferris wheel and a circus area, complete with a large statue of a clown that would tower over guests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I’m not quite sure how it’s working physics-wise, but we also just survived an attack by a snake the size of a Ferris wheel.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This new exoplanet is special — its orbit looks more like a Ferris wheel!

Read more on Space Scoop

The first contractor insisted on cost-cutting changes to the capsules that did not fit with the architects' vision, reducing their design to a pastiche Ferris wheel.

Read more on BBC