unroll

verb

un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl How to pronounce unroll (audio)
unrolled; unrolling; unrolls
Synonyms of unrollnext

transitive verb

1
: to unwind a roll of : open out : uncoil
2
: to spread out like a scroll for reading or inspection : unfold, reveal

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As fresh episodes unroll on Netflix, new generations of talent are waiting to be discovered. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026 Simply unroll the dough and brush with Dijon mustard. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026 However, the creators of Roll tested their mattress for a year, rolling and unrolling it multiple times, and are confident enough to offer a five-year warranty. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026 New drugs, like shots only needed once or twice a year to prevent the spread of the virus, are being unrolled. Sara Dinatale, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unroll

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of unroll was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unroll. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

unroll

verb
un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl How to pronounce unroll (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unroll

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