stroller

American  

[stroh-ler] / ˈstroʊ lər /

noun

1. a person who takes a leisurely walk; saunterer.

2. a wanderer; vagrant.

3. an itinerant performer.

4. a four-wheeled, often collapsible, chairlike carriage in which small children are pushed.

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stroller British  

/ ˈstrəʊlə /

noun

1. a usually collapsible chair-shaped carriage in which a small child may be wheeled Also called (in Britain and certain other countries) buggy 1 pushchair

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Etymology

Origin of stroller

First recorded in 1600–10; stroll + -er ¹

Explanation

A stroller is a small carriage with wheels meant for pushing a baby or toddler around. For a baby, there is no better ride than a stroller. There are two main meanings of the noun stroller: a person who strolls, and a parenting appliance that to many English speakers in the world is called a pram or a pushchair. A long-forgotten copywriter at Sears & Roebuck is probably responsible for the latter meaning; its first appearances are in the catalogs of that company. As for stroll, the underlying verb: it's a German import, though ultimately of uncertain origin.

Example Sentences

“We really don’t use our car here,” Beauchaine said, pushing her 18-month old in a stroller past the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The elevator is working again to carry her stroller to the fourth floor.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

“I just grabbed all my kids, threw over the stroller, and I just ran out the house,” he told the TV station.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

If I’m struggling to lift a stroller up the stairs, or I’m juggling a crying baby and a hungry toddler, there is always someone there to offer me a hand.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2025

Hannah leans over the stroller and makes baby sounds.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith