roll

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To move by turning over and over, or to make something turn in that way.

   Grammar: No object for self-movement: the ball rolled. With an object, you cause it: roll the ball.

   Patterns

   • roll down something
   • roll over
   • roll something across something
   • roll into a ball

   The ball rolled under the sofa.

   Roll the dough until it is thin and even.

   The child rolled over and sat up on the grass.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitive

   To move smoothly and steadily on wheels, or to make something move that way.

   Grammar: Intransitive for vehicles moving alone; transitive when a person moves something: roll the cart closer.

   Patterns

   • roll along
   • roll into the station
   • roll up
   • roll something somewhere

   Bikes rolled quietly along the wet path.

   The train finally rolled into the station.

   Please roll the desk closer to the window.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To form something into a ball, tube, or cylinder by turning it over and over.

   Grammar: Takes an object, often with into or up: roll the paper into a tube.

   Patterns

   • roll something into something
   • roll up something
   • roll out dough
   • roll a cigarette

   She rolled the map into a tight tube.

   Roll out the dough on a floured board.

   He rolled up his sleeves and started washing dishes.

4. 4nouncountable

   A small round or oval loaf of bread for one person.

   Grammar: Countable; plural is rolls. Used in everyday food settings.

   Patterns

   • bread roll
   • hot roll
   • cheese roll
   • fresh rolls

   She bought a cheese roll for lunch.

   Warm bread rolls were served with soup.

5. 5nouncountable

   An official list of names, especially members, students, soldiers, or voters.

   Grammar: Countable; often singular in roll call or on the rolls.

   Patterns

   • roll call
   • school roll
   • electoral roll
   • on the rolls

   The teacher read the roll before the trip.

   His name was added to the electoral roll.

   During roll call, everyone answered present.

Word forms

Common combinations

roll down

Tears rolled down her cheek during the sad film.

roll over

The puppy likes to roll over for treats.

roll up your sleeves

We rolled up our sleeves and cleaned the garage.

on a roll

After two wins, the chess team was on a roll.

roll call

Attendance was checked by roll call every morning.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn

General movement around an axis; roll suggests smooth repeated turning.

spin

Faster turning, often around a point, unlike a steady roll.

bun

For bread, a small soft roll; bun often means sweeter or joined bread.

roster

American word for a list of people, especially workers or team members.

Opposites

Word family

rolling adjective

Moving by turns, or having gentle waves or hills.

roller noun

A cylinder used to press, move, or shape something.

rollover noun

An overturning accident or movement of funds to a new account.

Commonly confused: roll or role?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “roll”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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