stroller: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, informal
Quick answer
What does “stroller” mean?
A light chair‑on‑wheels for pushing a small child along.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light chair‑on‑wheels for pushing a small child along; a baby carriage that is typically collapsible and lightweight.
A person who walks in a leisurely or relaxed way; a recreational walker.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, the primary equivalent for the pushchair is 'pushchair' or 'buggy'; 'stroller' is understood but considered an Americanism. In US English, 'stroller' is the standard term for the child's pushchair. The 'leisurely walker' meaning is shared but rare in modern use.
Connotations
In US: Practical, modern parenting. In UK: May sound slightly American. For both: The 'walker' sense can have a quaint, old‑fashioned, or literary connotation.
Frequency
Very high frequency in US English for the child product. Moderate to low frequency in UK English, where native terms are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “stroller” in a Sentence
[verb] + a/the stroller (push, fold, unfold, rent)[adjective] + stroller (lightweight, double, jogging)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stroller” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to stroll along the promenade.
- We were just strolling through the market.
American English
- We strolled around the mall for an hour.
- He strolled into the meeting late.
adverb
British English
- They walked strollingly through the village. (rare/constructed)
American English
- He moved strollingly down the path. (rare/constructed)
adjective
British English
- They enjoyed a strolling pace along the river.
- The guide led a strolling tour of the gardens.
American English
- It was a pleasant, strolling kind of afternoon.
- The park is perfect for a strolling picnic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail (baby products): 'This new stroller model features all‑terrain wheels.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociological studies of family life or urban design.
Everyday
Dominant context: 'Let me just grab the diaper bag from under the stroller.'
Technical
In product design/engineering: 'The stroller's aluminum frame underwent stress testing.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stroller”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stroller”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stroller”
- Using 'stroller' in formal UK writing where 'pushchair' is expected. Confusing 'stroller' (pushchair) with 'pram' (which typically has a lie‑flat bassinet for newborns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a pram (short for perambulator) is for newborns and allows the baby to lie flat facing the pusher. A stroller is for older infants and toddlers who can sit up, and often faces forward. Many modern systems combine both functions.
No, it is an everyday, informal term. In formal UK contexts, 'pushchair' or 'baby carriage' might be preferred. The 'leisurely walker' sense can be found in more literary or descriptive registers.
No, 'stroller' is a noun. The related verb is 'to stroll' (to walk in a leisurely way).
Because it is perceived as an Americanism for an everyday object. The native UK terms are 'pushchair' or 'buggy'. Using 'stroller' might sound foreign or unnecessarily trendy in some UK contexts.
A light chair‑on‑wheels for pushing a small child along.
Stroller: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrəʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstroʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms with 'stroller'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STROLL in the park with a baby – the thing you use is a STROLLER.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOBILITY IS FREEDOM (The stroller enables the parent and child to move freely).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'stroller' used in its secondary, less common sense?