carousel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts depending on the sense.
Quick answer
What does “carousel” mean?
A rotating circular platform with seats, traditionally for children's amusement at a fairground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rotating circular platform with seats, traditionally for children's amusement at a fairground.
A system or situation involving a continuous, repeating cycle of activities, events, or items being presented or exchanged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses both 'carousel' and 'merry-go-round' for the ride. American English strongly prefers 'carousel' for the ride and uses 'merry-go-round' as a synonym or for simpler versions.
Connotations
In both, the baggage claim sense is standard and technical. The 'rotating series' metaphor is equally used.
Frequency
The word is more common in American English for the fairground ride. In British English, 'merry-go-round' is a frequent alternative.
Grammar
How to Use “carousel” in a Sentence
[noun] on a/the carousela carousel of [plural noun]carousel [noun] (e.g., carousel display)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carousel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The images will carousel on the screen every ten seconds.
American English
- The app allows ads to carousel automatically.
adjective
British English
- The website features a carousel banner at the top.
American English
- We implemented a carousel display for the new products.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'a carousel of meetings', 'the recruitment carousel'.
Academic
Used in media/communications studies: 'a carousel of advertising images'.
Everyday
Primarily for fairground rides and airport baggage reclaim.
Technical
In computing/UI design: a rotating display of content; in photography: a slide carousel projector.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carousel”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carousel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carousel”
- Misspelling: 'carosel', 'carouselle'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'in the carousel' (for baggage) instead of the standard 'on the carousel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, 'carousel' is the standard term for the ornate, horse-mounted fairground ride, while 'merry-go-round' is a more general synonym. In British English, 'merry-go-round' is very common, and 'carousel' may sound slightly more American or formal for the ride.
Yes, in technical contexts (like computing or display technology), it can mean 'to rotate or cycle through a series of items', e.g., 'The photos carousel on the homepage.' This usage is less common in everyday speech.
Yes, 'baggage carousel' or 'luggage carousel' is the standard term in both varieties for the rotating conveyor belt where passengers collect checked luggage.
It comes from French 'carrousel', and originally from Italian 'carosello', referring to a kind of tournament or ceremonial pageant on horseback. This connects to the decorated horses on the fairground ride.
A rotating circular platform with seats, traditionally for children's amusement at a fairground.
Carousel is usually neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts depending on the sense. in register.
Carousel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkærəˈsɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkærəˈsɛl/ /ˈkærəˌsɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a carousel of life”
- “the political carousel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SELLer at a fair CAROUSing around a rotating platform, trying to sell tickets for the CAROUSEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ACTIVITY IS A CIRCULAR JOURNEY (e.g., 'the carousel of fashion').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'carousel'?