unroll

verb

un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl 

unrolled; unrolling; unrolls

transitive verb

1

: to unwind a roll of : open out : uncoil

2

: to spread out like a scroll for reading or inspection : unfold, reveal

intransitive verb

: to be unrolled : unwind

Examples of unroll in a Sentence

He carefully unrolled the ancient scroll.

I unrolled the new carpet.

When we arrived at the cabin, we unrolled our sleeping bags.

The hose will unroll if you pull on it.

Last week, the government unrolled a new vaccination campaign.

The scandal unrolled over the course of several weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wearing an Arsenal soccer jersey, Frida’s hair is pinned with rollers as her older sister unrolls each one to reveal bouncy curls that frame her face. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Wrap the crust around the rolling pin, then unroll into a 9-inch pie plate. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025

The rear zipper gives you entry into the main pocket without needing to unroll the top flap. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Two students have unrolled what looks like an incomplete treasure map, and lean over it with magnifying glasses, murmuring to one another. —Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unroll

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

unroll

verb

un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl 

ˈən-

1

: to unwind a roll of : open out

unroll a carpet

2

: disclose

the government unrolled a new program

3

: to become unrolled or spread out : unfold

a view of mountains unrolled before them