roller skate

¹ American  

noun

1. a form of skate with four wheels or rollers instead of a runner, for use on a sidewalk or other surface offering traction.

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roller-skate ² American  

[roh-ler-skeyt] / ˈroʊ lərˌskeɪt /

Or rollerskate

verb (used without object)

roller-skated, roller-skating

1. to glide about by means of roller skates.

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roller skate British  

noun

1. a boot or shoe with four small wheels attached that enable the wearer to glide swiftly over a floor or other surface

2. a device having clamps or straps for attaching such wheels to a boot or shoe

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verb

1. (intr) to move on roller skates

Other Word Forms

• roller skater noun
• rollerskater noun

Etymology

Origin of roller skate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Origin of roller-skate¹

First recorded in 1870–75; v. use of roller skate

Example Sentences

For “Don’t You Worry Baby” he was joined by a female dancer on roller skates; for “Noid,” a couple of guys with cameras helped him act out his unhappy thoughts on paparazzi.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether you’re looking for a bin of old roller skates or a dozen surplus swivel chairs, there’s something for everyone at the 127 Yard Sale, which started in the late 1980s.

From Seattle Times

Step inside and discover a hypnotic world of disco, glitter and roller skating where “music flows and magic grows.”

From Los Angeles Times

The park's roller skating rink has been open since April.

From Reuters

Ace Thompson, 19, of Oliver said they struggled to find queer friends at the skate park after starting roller skating three years ago until meeting Scott, who introduced them to the broader community.

From Washington Post