roller

1 of 2

noun (1)

roll·​er ˈrō-lər 

1

a

: a revolving cylinder over or on which something is moved or which is used to press, shape, spread, or smooth something

b

: a cylinder or rod on which something (such as a shade) is rolled up

2

a

: a long heavy ocean wave

b

: tumbler sense 1b

3

: one that rolls or performs a rolling operation

4

: a slowly rolling ground ball

roller

2 of 2

noun (2)

rol·​ler ˈrō-lər 

1

: any of various mostly brightly colored nonpasserine Old World birds (family Coraciidae) that perform rolling aerial dives during courtship displays

2

: a canary having a song in which the notes are soft and run together

Examples of roller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The towel stretch is likely gentler, given that foam rollers are typically larger in diameter than a towel roll and usually much harder. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026

Luggitime Luggage Strap Vibrant luggage straps are another way to make your suitcase stand out in a sea of black and gray rollers (hence why flight attendants swear by them). — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Scored primarily in transition, on post-ups or as the roller in pick-and-rolls. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

Rooms are fitted with projectors, from which virtual TechoGym classes can be taken in room, and in place of a regular closet, a recovery closet is stocked with resistance bands, a yoga mat, a meditation pillow, exercise ball and foam roller. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

German, from rollen to roll, reverberate, from Middle French roller — more at roll

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing roller

• high roller
• leaf roller
• lint roller
• road roller
• rock and roller
• roller bearing
• roller-coaster
• roller rink
• roller skate
• roller towel
• stone roller

Rhymes for roller

• bowler
• dolor
• molar
• polar
• solar
• soler
• stroller
• troller
• volar
• ambipolar
• areolar
• bronchiolar

Kids Definition

roller

noun

roll·​er

ˈrō-lər

1

a

: a turning cylinder over or on which something is moved or which is used to press, shape, spread, or smooth something

b

: a rod on which something (as a map or a shade) is rolled up

c

: a small wheel (as of a roller skate)

2

: a long heavy wave on the sea

3

: one that rolls or rolls over

Medical Definition

roller

see tongue roller