coaster

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A small mat or disk placed under a cup or glass to protect a surface from heat or moisture.

   Grammar: Countable; plural is 'coasters'.

   Patterns

   • a coaster for something
   • put something on a coaster
   • use a coaster

   Please use a coaster so you don't leave a ring on the table.

   She bought a set of six wooden coasters.

   He set his glass on a coaster.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   Short for roller coaster: an amusement park ride with steep drops and sharp turns.

   Grammar: Countable; usually used in the phrase 'roller coaster' or just 'coaster' in context.

   Patterns

   • ride a coaster
   • go on a coaster
   • a coaster ride

   The kids wanted to ride the coaster again and again.

   The coaster made her scream with excitement.

   We waited in line for the newest coaster at the park.

Word forms

Common combinations

coaster set

They gave us a coaster set as a housewarming gift.

drink coaster

The bar provides drink coasters with its logo.

roller coaster

The roller coaster was too scary for me.

Synonyms and how they differ

mat

A mat is larger and often used for other purposes; a coaster is specifically for a drink.

doily

A doily is a decorative lace mat, while a coaster is usually plain and functional.

Word family

coast verb

To move easily without much effort, as in 'coast downhill'.

Commonly confused: coaster or costar?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “coaster”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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