carousel

/ˈkɛrəˌsɛl/

/ˈkærəsɛl/

Other forms: carousels

A carousel is a circular, rotating amusement ride with seats for children. Do you like roller coasters or is the carousel more your speed?

If you’re at a carnival, a carousel probably has fake horses. But if you’re at an airport, the carousel is a conveyor belt that carries luggage (no horses). Carousel was originally the name of an event at tournaments of 16th century knights. In the carousel, knights would charge, full speed on ornately decorated horses, trying to put the tip of their lance through a golden ring. This carousel was inspired by Middle Eastern games witnessed by knights in the Crusades.

Definitions of carousel

1. noun

   a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
   synonyms: carrousel, merry-go-round, roundabout, whirligig

   type of:

   ride

   a mechanical device that you ride for amusement or excitement
2. noun

   a conveyer belt that carries luggage to be claimed by air travelers
   synonyms: carrousel, luggage carousel, luggage carrousel

   type of:

   conveyer, conveyer belt, conveyor, conveyor belt, transporter

   a moving belt that transports objects (as in a factory)