carousel
UK[ˌkærəˈsel]US[ˌkærəˈsel]
n
A rotating machine or device, such as one for carrying passengers around for amusement or for collecting luggage at an airport.
n
A tournament in which knights on horseback competed in various contests.
Etymology
The word 'carousel' entered English in the 17th century from the French 'carrousel', which itself derived from the Italian 'carosello'. The Italian term likely originated from the Spanish 'carosella', meaning "a little war" or "a tournament." This traces back to the Arabic 'karusel', a type of military exercise or tournament involving horsemen. The modern meaning of a merry-go-round or rotating device evolved from these equestrian displays and mock battles, which often involved riders performing in a circle or catching small rings from a central post, a direct precursor to the amusement park ride.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from French. Its spelling and form are not productively composed of smaller, meaningful English morphemes.
Examples
The children ran to choose their favorite horse on the brightly lit carousel.
After landing, we waited at the baggage carousel for our suitcases.
The festival featured a historical reenactment of a medieval carousel.