What does scrolling mean?
Scrolling is the movement of content across a computer, phone, or other screen, usually vertically, allowing a person to move through text, images, or video. It can be performed with a finger, mouse, trackpad, wheel, or keyboard controls, and the content may also move automatically. As a noun, scrolling names the action or the interface behavior that enables it. The term is especially common in discussions of websites, mobile applications, social media, and electronic documents, where phrases such as “scroll through,” “vertical scrolling,” and “endless scrolling” are familiar. Although scrolling is a practical navigation technique, “endless scrolling” can also carry a critical connotation because it may encourage prolonged use or make content boundaries difficult to identify.
To view or move through digital text, images, or other content by shifting it across a screen, especially vertically.
"Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the download link."
Common in computing, telecommunications, and everyday descriptions of using screens. “Scroll through” means to move from one portion of content to another.
The movement of content across a screen, or the act of viewing content in this way.
"The website uses smooth scrolling when users navigate between sections."
Often used in computing and digital-media contexts; “endless scrolling” or “infinite scrolling” denotes an interface designed to keep presenting content continuously.
Rarely used; the noun is normally singular or uncountable.
"The recordings captured several rapid scrollings through the document."
Infinite scrolling turns a finite page into an endless journey, making “when will I stop?” the digital age’s most modern question.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrolling come from?
The present participle “scrolling” derives from “scroll,” which in its verb sense originally referred to moving text or a document so as to reveal different portions. “Scroll” ultimately developed from an earlier noun referring to a roll of parchment or vellum. The digital sense follows the older idea of moving through a continuous surface by shifting it, now applied to content displayed on screens. Related forms include “scroller” and the simple past tense “scrolled.”
Related word forms
How scrolling is actually used
In modern usage, scrolling usually refers to digital interfaces, although it can also describe moving text or images on any screen. The noun is common in expressions such as “endless scrolling” and “infinite scroll.”
Easily confused with scrolling
Scrolling means viewing or moving through content, whereas scolding means reprimanding someone harshly.