roll

²roll

verb

Definition of ROLL

transitive verb

1

a : to impel forward by causing to turn over and over on a surface b : to cause to revolve by turning over and over on or as if on an axis c : to cause to move in a circular manner <they rolled their eyes at the absurdity> d : to form into a mass by turning over and over e : to impel forward with an easy continuous motion f : to cause to move in a given direction by or as if by turning a crank <rolled down the window>

2

a : to put a wrapping around : enfold, envelop b : to wrap round on itself : shape into a ball or roll <rolled up the newspaper>; also : to produce by such shaping <rolled his own cigarettes>

3

: to press, spread, or level with a roller : make smooth, even, or compact <hulled and rolled oats> <roll paint> —often used with out <rolled out the dough>

4

a : to move on rollers or wheels <rolled the patient into the operating room> b : to cause to begin operating or moving <roll the cameras>

5

a : to sound with a full reverberating tone <rolled out the words> b : to make a continuous beating sound upon : sound a roll upon <rolled their drums> c : to utter with a trill <rolled his r's> d : to play (a chord) in arpeggio style

6

: to combine so as to comprise one entity —usually used in the phrase rolled into one <a shopping center, amusement park, and nightclub all rolled into one>

7

: to rob (a drunk, sleeping, or unconscious person) usually by going through the pockets; broadly : rob

8

: bowl 1

intransitive verb

1

a : to move along a surface by rotation without sliding b (1) : to turn over and over <the children rolled in the grass> (2) : to luxuriate in an abundant supply : wallow <fairly rolling in money>

2

a : to move onward or around as if by completing a revolution : elapse, pass <the months roll on> b : to shift the gaze continually <eyes rolling in terror> c : to revolve on an axis

3

: to move about : roam, wander

4

a : to go forward in an easy, gentle, or undulating manner <the waves rolled in> b : to flow in a continuous stream : pour <money was rolling in> c : to flow as part of a stream of words or sounds <the names roll off your tongue> d : to have an undulating contour <rolling prairie> e : to lie extended : stretch

5

a : to travel in a vehicle <rolling north on the highway> b : to become carried on a stream c : to move on wheels

6

a : to make a deep reverberating sound <the thunder rolls> b : trill

7

a : to swing from side to side <the ship heaved and rolled> b : to walk with a swinging gait : sway

8

a : to take the form of a cylinder or ball b : to respond to rolling in a specified way

9

a : to get under way : begin to move or operate b : to move forward : develop and maintain impetus <the project finally got rolling>; especially : to proceed or progress with notable ease or success <the team was rolling>

10

: to execute a somersault

11

of a football quarterback : to run toward one flank usually parallel to the line of scrimmage especially before throwing a pass —often used with out

— roll the bones

: to shoot craps

— roll the dice

: to assume a risk by taking action <rolled the dice when they bought those stocks>

— roll with the punches

1

: to move so as to lessen the impact of blows

2

: to adjust to things as they happen

Examples of ROLL

1. The children rolled down the hill.
2. The ball rolled slowly to a stop.
3. Roll the chicken wings in the batter.
4. The paramedics rolled him onto the gurney.
5. The car rolled slowly to a stop.
6. A police car rolled up next to us.
7. The children rolled the toy car to each other.
8. The patient was rolled into the emergency room.
9. The fog soon rolled away.

Origin of ROLL

Middle English, from Anglo-French rouler, roller, from roele wheel, rowel & roule roll

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ROLL

Synonyms: agglomerate, ball, wad, round

Antonyms: unroll

Related Words: bunch, clump, lump; bead, pearl, pellet, pelletize; sphere

Near Antonyms: flatten, open, smooth, spread, unfold

see all synonyms and antonyms

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