What does roll mean?
Roll is a versatile verb and noun associated chiefly with rotation and curved movement. As a verb, it can describe moving an object by turning it, traveling with a rotating motion, shaping dough or pastry, wrapping an object around another, or making a rumbling sound. It also appears in figurative expressions such as “roll with it,” where it means adapting calmly to changing circumstances. As a noun, a roll may be a cylindrical object, a piece of bread, a schedule or list, or a continuous sequence of events. The word is common in both British and American English, although pronunciation differs: British English generally uses /rəʊl/, while American English commonly uses /roʊl/. Its range of literal and figurative meanings makes it useful whenever something turns, curves, unfolds, or proceeds as part of a larger sequence.
To move or cause something to move by rotating it, especially along a surface; to shape, wrap, or package something by turning or curling it.
"He rolled the suitcase toward the train platform."
The verb is widely used in literal, figurative, and idiomatic expressions.
A cylindrical object or small rounded portion; a list, schedule, or sequence; a sound made by something rotating.
"The librarian handed her the roll of attendance records."
The noun has several established senses, including a bread roll, a cylindrical package, a list or schedule, and a sequence of events.
The plural form is used for individual bread portions, cylindrical objects, lists or schedules, and sequences of events.
"Fresh rolls were served with the meal."
From the spinning motion of a wheel to a schedule, a bread roll, and even the roll of dice, this word connects movement, chance, and everyday objects.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of roll
The English word roll comes from Germanic roots associated with turning and rolling. It is related to cognates such as German rollen, Dutch rollen, Swedish rulla, and Danish rulle. In English, the meaning developed from the action of moving by rotation to include cylindrical objects, small pieces of food, and figurative uses involving sequences, schedules, and handling difficult situations.
Related word forms
How roll is actually used
The verb is neutral in register and has several figurative uses, including describing how a vehicle moves, how a person walks in a rolling gait, and how a person handles an unexpected situation, as in “roll with it.” In British English, “roll” can also refer to a small, rounded piece of bread; in American English, the related sense is especially common in phrases such as “a dinner roll.”
Easily confused with roll
A roll is something that is rolled or moves in a circular motion, while a role is a function, position, or part played by someone.