roll
B1Neutral (used across formal, informal, and technical contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To move by turning over and over or from side to side; a cylinder or ball formed by winding or coiling.
A wide range of meanings related to movement (turning, flowing, swaying), sound (deep, resonant, continuous), lists (official register), and food (bread, pastry).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb often implies a motion that is continuous, often circular or undulating, and can be intentional or caused by an external force (like gravity). The noun can refer to the object, the action, or a list.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Roll' as a bread item is universal. In finance, 'rolling' a position is similar. Slight preference in the UK for 'roll' in 'rock and roll' vs US 'rock 'n' roll'.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. The verb can connote smooth, controlled movement or chaotic tumbling, depending on context.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. The phrasal verb 'roll out' (to launch) is slightly more frequent in US business jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] roll (something) (over/down/up/etc.)[Verb] roll (somebody) (something) (e.g., roll me the ball)[Noun] a roll of (something) (e.g., a roll of film)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on a roll”
- “roll with the punches”
- “roll out the red carpet”
- “heads will roll”
- “roll up your sleeves”
- “roll in the hay”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We plan to roll out the new software next quarter." (to launch)
Academic
"The data shows a rolling average over twelve months." (continuously updated)
Everyday
"Can you roll the ball back to me?" or "I'll have a ham roll for lunch."
Technical
"The aircraft began its roll during takeoff." (rotation on its longitudinal axis) or "The photographer loaded a fresh roll of film."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The children love to roll down the grassy hill.
- Could you roll up the window, please? It's getting cold.
- They decided to roll the project out in phases.
American English
- The ball rolled into the street.
- Roll down the window, it's hot in here.
- The company will roll out the update next week.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; typically part of a phrasal verb like 'rolled-up').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; typically part of a phrasal verb).
adjective
British English
- He wore a classic roll-neck jumper under his jacket.
- The desk had a roll-top mechanism for privacy.
American English
- He wore a turtleneck sweater (less common as 'roll-neck' in US).
- The desk had a rolltop design.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The apple fell and rolled under the table.
- We eat bread rolls with soup.
- The teacher did a roll call.
- Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
- Please roll up the carpet before painting.
- He is on a roll with three wins in a row.
- Thunder rolled in the distance as the storm approached.
- The government plans to roll out the new policy nationwide.
- The ship began to roll violently in the rough seas.
- The CEO's dismissive comment caused eyes to roll across the boardroom.
- Investors are advised to roll over their maturing bonds.
- The film's closing credits roll against a haunting soundtrack.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROLler coaster going around in circles - it ROLLs.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY ON WHEELS (e.g., 'We're rolling now', 'on a roll'). TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT (e.g., 'the years rolled by').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'roll call' as 'звонок' (call). It's 'перекличка'.
- A 'bread roll' is not 'булка' (which is a larger loaf) but a small 'булочка' or 'рогалик'.
- 'Roll your Rs' means to vibrate the tongue tip, not the back of the throat as in Russian 'Р'.
- Don't confuse the idiom 'on a roll' (удачная полоса) with just being busy.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'role' (function/part) instead of 'roll' (movement/bread).
- Incorrect phrasal verb: 'roll down the window' (correct) vs 'open down the window' (incorrect).
- Overusing 'roll' for any movement. A car doesn't 'roll' on a straight road unless it's out of control.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'roll' used as a noun referring to a list?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Roll' is about movement or a cylindrical object (a bread roll, to roll a ball). 'Role' is about a function or part played (her role in the company, an actor's role). They are homophones but different words.
It's conventionally written as 'rock and roll' (three words) or the contracted informal 'rock 'n' roll'. 'Rock-and-roll' with hyphens is also sometimes used, especially as a compound adjective (e.g., rock-and-roll music).
In very informal, mainly American slang, 'to roll someone' can mean to rob them, especially when they are intoxicated or helpless. It's not standard neutral English.
It has two key meanings: 1) A 'roll' of film (the physical material). 2) The command 'Roll camera!' means start filming, and 'roll sound!' means start recording audio. Hence, the credits at the end are the 'rolling credits'.