rollaway
C1formal/informal (context-dependent, more common in furniture/hospitality industries)
Definition
Meaning
A piece of furniture (typically a bed) that folds up or can be moved easily on wheels.
Any object designed to be easily moved or stored by rolling, often on built-in casters or wheels.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun (the object itself) or attributively as an adjective (describing the type of furniture). It implies a solution for temporary or space-saving needs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'truckle bed' or 'put-you-up' are more common generic terms for a spare bed, though 'rollaway' is understood. In American English, 'rollaway' is the dominant term in hotels and furniture.
Connotations
US: Standard, practical, associated with hotels and guest rooms. UK: Slightly more commercial/technical, less common in everyday domestic speech.
Frequency
High frequency in American English (hospitality, retail). Mid-to-low frequency in British English, where 'guest bed' or 'spare bed' is often preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
We need to [VERB] a rollaway for the guest.The [ADJECTIVE] rollaway fits in the closet.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for 'rollaway'. Related: 'make yourself at home' (often said when providing a rollaway for a guest).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in hotel management and inventory (e.g., 'We have ten rollaways in storage.').
Academic
Rare, except in design or ergonomics papers discussing space-saving solutions.
Everyday
Common when discussing accommodating overnight guests (e.g., 'We'll set up a rollaway in the study.').
Technical
Used in furniture manufacturing specifications and hospitality supply catalogs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not standard as a verb. Use 'roll away' as a phrasal verb.
American English
- Not standard as a verb. Use 'roll away' as a phrasal verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The hotel provided a rollaway bed for our third child.
- She bought a stylish rollaway kitchen island.
American English
- Do you have a rollaway I can use for my nephew?
- We store the rollaway cot in the basement.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rollaway is in the closet.
- Is this a rollaway bed?
- We need to request a rollaway before our arrival.
- The rollaway bed was surprisingly comfortable.
- The apartment was small, so they relied on a rollaway for guests.
- Modern rollaway designs are much more aesthetically pleasing than old models.
- The concierge assured us that a hypoallergenic rollaway would be delivered to the suite.
- His innovative rollaway workstation solved the office's flexible desking requirements.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: you ROLL it AWAY when you're done with it. The word describes its function.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOBILITY IS FREEDOM / TEMPORARINESS IS MOBILITY (A rollaway represents a temporary, non-fixed solution that can be moved easily).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'катящаяся кровать' which sounds odd. Use 'раскладная кровать на колесиках' or the borrowed term 'роллавей' in specific contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rollaway' as a verb (e.g., 'I'll rollaway the bed' – incorrect; use 'roll away' as a phrasal verb). Confusing it with 'roll-on roll-off' (a ferry system).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'rollaway' MOST likely used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'rollaway' is primarily a noun or adjective. The action is described with the phrasal verb 'roll away' (e.g., 'Let's roll away the bed').
A sofa bed is a sofa that converts into a bed. A rollaway is a standalone bed on wheels that folds for storage, often simpler and more mobile.
Yes, though 'rollaway bed' is the most common collocation. It can describe any item on wheels designed for easy moving and storage, like a 'rollaway suitcase' or 'rollaway tool cabinet'.
It is neutral but industry-specific. It's standard formal terminology in hospitality and furniture, and perfectly acceptable in informal conversation about hosting guests.