What’s the Difference Between a Merry-go-Round and a Carousel?
Many people believe there is a clear distinction between a Merry-go-Round and a
Carousel. You might have heard that they rotate in different directions,
or that Merry-go-Rounds are small children’s rides like the
Toy Town Merry-Go-Round while Carousels are grand, decorative attractions such as the
Traditional Victorian Carousel.
But is any of this actually true?
Are They Really Different?
According to
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the terms Carousel and Merry-go-Round are
official synonyms. In other words, there is no linguistic difference between the two.
Both terms describe the same style of funfair ride.
Every Carousel is a Merry-go-Round, and every Merry-go-Round can be called a Carousel.
Why Do Some Spin Clockwise and Others Counter-Clockwise?
The idea that direction determines the definition is common, but still not correct.
The difference in rotation comes from regional tradition rather than terminology:
- United Kingdom carousels usually turns clockwise
- North America and mainland Europe carousels typically go counter-clockwise
The clockwise UK rotation can be traced back to the ride’s early use in cavalry training.
Riders mounted from the left so they could hold a sword in their right hand. If the platform did not turn clockwise,
the riders would be facing away from the targets. The UK's clockwise direction is tied to older "gallopers," while the counter-clockwise style became standard in the US and mainland Europe.
This difference is also often cited as stemming from the side of the road on which people and carriages historically travel;ed in the respective regions.
You can learn more in our full
history of the Carousel.
Merry-go-Rounds That Are Not Carousels
Although the two words are interchangeable most of the time, some items described as Merry-go-Rounds are
not Carousels at all.
In parks and playgrounds, you may find small, hand-powered spinning platforms. These are commonly called
Merry-go-Rounds, but they are never considered Carousels because:
- They are not mechanically operated.
- They do not require a trained operator.
- They are designed for free play, not as fairground machines.
So, all Carousels are Merry-go-Rounds, but not all Merry-go-Rounds are Carousels!
If you’d like more information about our Carousel hire options or want to speak with our team,
please visit our contact page.