coaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal (esp. for extended meanings). The core meaning is standard, everyday vocabulary.
Quick answer
What does “coaster” mean?
A small mat or tray placed under a glass or cup to protect a surface from condensation or heat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small mat or tray placed under a glass or cup to protect a surface from condensation or heat.
1) A person or vessel that travels along a coast. 2) A rollercoaster. 3) A tray for a bottle (e.g., a wine coaster). 4) A sled or toboggan (regional, esp. US).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal for the core meaning. 'Coaster brake' on a bicycle is more common in US English. The extended meaning 'sled' (e.g., 'Flexible Flyer coaster') is primarily American.
Connotations
In both varieties, the core meaning is neutral/functional. In US amusement park contexts, 'coaster' strongly implies a rollercoaster.
Frequency
The core meaning is equally frequent. The 'rollercoaster' clipping is more frequent in casual US speech.
Grammar
How to Use “coaster” in a Sentence
Put/place/set [object] on a coaster.Use a coaster for [object].A coaster for your [drink].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coaster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb. Use 'coast').
American English
- (Not standard as a verb. Use 'coast').
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb).
American English
- (Not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective. Use 'coasting' or attributive noun, e.g., 'coaster brake').
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective. Use 'coasting' or attributive noun, e.g., 'coaster sled').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in hospitality or manufacturing of tableware.
Academic
Rare, except in historical contexts (e.g., 'coasting vessels').
Everyday
Primary context. Discussing home goods, table settings, or pubs.
Technical
In engineering/amusement industries: 'roller coaster' design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coaster”
- Using 'coaster' to mean a large tray (it's usually small).
- Misspelling as 'costar'.
- Confusing 'coaster' (object) with 'coast' (geography).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A coaster is small and for a single drink. A placemat is larger and defines a person's place at the table, for a full set of cutlery and plates.
Yes, but only as a casual shortening, primarily in American English (e.g., 'Let's ride the coaster!'). In formal writing, use the full term.
It is largely archaic. You might encounter it in historical texts, but modern terms like 'coastal vessel' or 'freighter' are more common.
Functionally, they are similar. 'Beermat' is specific to beer glasses and is associated with pubs. 'Coaster' is a more general, domestic term for any drink and can be made of various materials (cork, wood, stone).
A small mat or tray placed under a glass or cup to protect a surface from condensation or heat.
Coaster is usually neutral to informal (esp. for extended meanings). the core meaning is standard, everyday vocabulary. in register.
Coaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.stər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.stɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Coaster brake (on a bicycle)”
- “Coaster wagon (US, a child's toy). No major phrasal idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship COASTing along the shore, then shrinking down to a small mat that 'sails' around your coffee table protecting it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A BARRIER / MOVING WITHOUT EFFORT IS COASTING (extended meanings).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'coaster' LEAST likely to be used?