Roll

/ɹˈə‍ʊl/

/ˈɹoʊɫ/

Definition & Meaning of "roll"

to roll

VERB

to move in a direction by turning over and over or from one side to another repeatedly

Intransitive: to roll to a direction

Example

The ball started to roll down the hill after being pushed.

As the waves receded, the seashells began to roll along the sandy beach.

1.1

to travel or move forward by the rotation of wheels, typically referring to the motion of vehicles

Intransitive: to roll to a direction

Example

With the engine humming softly, the car rolled quietly down the street.

Pedaling steadily, the bicycle rolled along the designated bike path.

to make something move by turning it over and over or from side to side repeatedly

Transitive: to roll sth [adj] | to roll sth somewhere

Example

She carefully rolled the dice on the game board.

The baker decided to roll the dough into perfect circles for the cookies.

2.1

to seamlessly transition the body through a circular motion, as in executing a somersault

Intransitive

Example

The gymnast showcased her agility by effortlessly rolling across the mat.

The acrobat delighted the audience by rolling off the trampoline and executing a somersault.

2.2

to encircle or cover an object by winding or placing a wrapping material around it

Transitive: to roll sth

Example

In the kitchen, the chef demonstrated how to roll the sushi mat around the ingredients.

The baker skillfully rolled the dough to create a delicious spiral-shaped pastry.

to press, spread, or level a mass using a cylindrical tool designed for smoothing or compacting

Transitive: to roll a mass of material

Example

After planting the seeds, the gardener used a lawn roller to roll the soil.

The construction worker diligently rolled the asphalt on the newly paved road.

to produce a resonant and full reverberating sound, often characterized by a continuous and deep tone

Intransitive

Example

The thunder began to roll in the distance, announcing the approaching storm.

The church bells started to roll across the valley, filling the air with their melodic resonance.

(of machinery or vehicles) to start operating

Intransitive

Example

After the brief maintenance break, the automated assembly line rolled smoothly back into action.

The director yelled " Action! "

to turn something flexible, such as dough, paper, or fabric, over and over on itself to form a cylinder or ball

Transitive: to roll something flexible

Example

They decided to roll the poster tightly so that it would fit into the mailing tube.

Can you please roll the carpet and move it to the other room?

(phonetics) to pronounce the /r/ sound with an alveolar trill

Transitive: to roll the /r/ sound

Example

In Spanish, the ' r ' is often rolled or trilled, as in the word " perro " ( dog ).

Russian speakers often roll the ' r' sound.

to roam or wander freely and aimlessly, often with a sense of spontaneity and leisure

Intransitive: to roll somewhere

Example

After finishing their exams, the students decided to roll through the city streets.

With no specific destination in mind, the couple chose to roll through the countryside.

to move in a sinuous or undulating manner, exhibiting a pattern of rising and falling motions

Intransitive

Example

The ship began to roll gently with the rhythm of the ocean waves as it sailed across the open sea.

The colorful flags outside the carnival tents seemed to roll and flutter in the breeze.

to move or sway from side to side in a continuous and rocking motion

Intransitive

Example

The cradle softly rolled, lulling the baby to sleep.

The leaves of the tall grass rolled in the breeze.

Roll

NOUN

something that is wrapped around a tube or shaped into one

Example

something that is wrapped around a tube or shaped into one

She handed me a roll of film to develop at the photography store.

a loaf of bread that is small and made for one person

What is "roll"?

A bread roll, also known as a dinner roll, is a small, round-shaped bread that is commonly served as a side dish or used to make sandwiches. The dough for bread rolls is typically made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes sugar or milk. After the dough is mixed and allowed to rise, it is portioned into small balls and baked until golden brown. Bread rolls can be baked with various toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic butter, and can be made with different types of flour for different textures and flavors. They are often served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with butter or jam. Bread rolls are a popular addition to holiday meals, buffets, and other large gatherings, and are a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Example

She savored the warm aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting from the bakery.

The dinner table was adorned with a basket of soft, golden-brown rolls.

a list of names

rotary motion of an object around its own axis

photographic film rolled up inside a container to protect it from light

a long heavy sea wave as it advances towards the shore

the act of throwing a ball down the lane in sports like bowling

What is a "roll"?

In sports like bowling, a roll refers specifically to the act of throwing the ball down the lane. The player releases the ball with a controlled motion, allowing it to travel smoothly toward the target, which in bowling is typically the pins. The goal is to ensure the ball rolls with the right speed, direction, and spin to achieve the best outcome, whether it is knocking down all the pins, setting up a spare, or controlling the ball’s path for precision. The roll is a fundamental action in the game.

Example

She practiced her roll to improve her accuracy.

He knocked down eight pins on his first roll.

a single instance of betting, such as a roll of the dice in craps or a spin of the roulette wheel

a document that can be rolled up (as for storage)

a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)

the sound of a drum (especially a snare drum) beaten rapidly and continuously

a roll of currency notes (often taken as the resources of a person or business etc.)

a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)