merry-go-round

[mer-ee-goh-round]

noun

1. Also called carousel. (in amusement parks, carnivals, etc.) a revolving, circular platform with wooden horses or other animals, benches, etc., on which people may sit or ride, usually to the accompaniment of mechanical or recorded music.

2. a rapid whirl or a busy round, as of social life or business affairs.

merry-go-round

noun

1. another name for roundabout

2. a whirl of activity or events

   the merry-go-round of the fashion world

Word History and Origins

Origin of merry-go-round¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

There would be the wobbly start as owner and club got acquainted, a few spins of the managerial merry-go-round, investment in the squad, improvement, promotion, consolidation, sale.

From BBC

He said: "Since the target was last met, there has been a merry-go-round of four SNP health secretaries, but not a single one has ever made a dent."

From BBC

Longtime fans and analysts of the almost 50-year-old theme park and its iconic double-decker merry-go-round are worried about its future.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the merry-go-round cannot even be moved by hand.

From Los Angeles Times

The idea of progress on the pool is comforting, Dodge said, given the idle state of the park’s pony rides and merry-go-round, both closed since 2022 for various reasons.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amusement 
• distraction 
• fun 
• pastime 
• pleasure 

When To Use

What is a merry-go-round?

A merry-go-round is an amusement park ride that consists of a revolving, circular platform with wooden horses or other fixtures, as in Sofia and Camila begged their parents to ride the merry-go-round with them.  A merry-go-round is also known as a carousel. People sit on the fixtures, while the platform goes around slowly and cheery (some might say “cheesy”) music plays.Merry-go-round can also be used figuratively to refer to a whirl, or a busy round, of activity, as in Sports fans are always delighted by the merry-go-round of the trading season. Example: I always enjoyed listening to carnival music when I rode the merry-go-round as a kid.