A merry-go-round is an amusement park ride with seats often in the form of animals, such as horses, that revolves around a fixed center. It is also known as a carousel, especially in North American English. Children ride on it at a fairground or playground, and it is pushed around while they are sitting on it. In addition to its literal meaning, the term "merry-go-round" can also be used metaphorically to refer to a cycle of activity that is complex, fast-paced, or difficult to break out of. For example, it can be used to describe the endless cycle of publicity and interviews that comes with publishing a book, or the rapid whirl of social life or business affairs.