Ferris wheel

American  

[fer-is] / ˈfɛr ɪs /

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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of Ferris wheel

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

Example Sentences

A glowing Ferris wheel churned nearby, offering a bird’s-eye view of the main stage.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

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

In the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel overturned and several vehicles were hit when part of a roof was torn from a building.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

A vintage Ferris wheel, themed to “Anansi’s Magic Web,” is an opportunity to rediscover the folktale via the attraction’s netting-like design.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

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