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

This ultra-spacious duffel bag unrolls into a hangable garment bag, ideal for keeping evening gowns, work ensembles, and suits safe and wrinkle-free. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

The game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers was an eventful one even before kickoff due to an unusual incident as fans unrolled a 100-ft. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

As a corn plant grows, the leaves unroll to reveal the tassel, the part that sheds pollen, explained Mark Licht, an associate professor of agronomy and an extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State University. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025

Wayfair offers tips for removing folds and curls, which are an inevitable part of unrolling a new rug. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 27 July 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