WordLens

roll

1 of 2verb
/roʊl/
Forms:rolls,rolling,rolled,rolled
1

to move in a direction by turning over and over or from one side to another repeatedly

B1
  • The ball started to roll down the hill after being pushed.
  • As the waves receded, the seashells began to roll along the sandy beach.
  • The tumbleweed continued to roll across the desert landscape.
  • When the car's brakes failed, it began to roll slowly down the driveway.
  • As the child released the toy car, it started to roll across the floor.
Synonyms:
2

to make something move by turning it over and over or from side to side repeatedly

B1transitive
  • She carefully rolled the dice on the game board.
  • The baker decided to roll the dough into perfect circles for the cookies.
  • He needed to roll the heavy barrel to the other side of the warehouse.
  • The engineer had to roll the logs down the ramp to transport them.
  • The chef demonstrated how to roll sushi during the cooking class.
Synonyms:
3

to press, spread, or level a mass using a cylindrical tool designed for smoothing or compacting

transitive
  • After planting the seeds, the gardener used a lawn roller to roll the soil.
  • The construction worker diligently rolled the asphalt on the newly paved road.
  • The chef instructed the kitchen staff to roll the pizza dough with a rolling pin
  • The landscaper decided to roll the newly laid sod to help it establish better contact with the soil.
  • After pouring the concrete, the workers used a concrete roller to roll the surface.
Synonyms:
4

to produce a resonant and full reverberating sound, often characterized by a continuous and deep tone

  • The thunder began to roll in the distance, announcing the approaching storm.
  • The church bells started to roll across the valley, filling the air with their melodic resonance.
  • As the drummer struck the bass drum, the sound rolled through the concert hall.
  • The distant train whistle rolled through the night, echoing in the quiet countryside.
  • When the cannon fired, the thunderous boom rolled across the battlefield.
5

(of machinery or vehicles) to start operating

  • After the brief maintenance break, the automated assembly line rolled smoothly back into action.
  • The director yelled "Action!"and the film crew watched as the cameras rolled for the first scene.
  • With the turn of the key, the old car rumbled to life, and the engine began to roll.
  • After the repair work, the heavy machinery sputtered briefly before rolling back into operation.
  • The factory workers took their positions, and the conveyor belts started rolling.
6

to turn something flexible, such as dough, paper, or fabric, over and over on itself to form a cylinder or ball

transitive
  • They decided to roll the poster tightly so that it would fit into the mailing tube.
  • Can you please roll the carpet and move it to the other room?
  • He demonstrated how to roll the clay into coils to build a pottery vessel.
  • After cutting the fabric, she carefully rolled it into a compact bundle for storage.
  • The yoga instructor asked the class to roll their mats after the session.
7

(phonetics) to pronounce the /r/ sound with an alveolar trill

transitive
  • In Spanish, the 'r' is often rolled or trilled, as in the word "perro" (dog).
  • Russian speakers often roll the 'r' sound.
  • Language learners may spend time practicing the skill of rolling 'r' sounds to achieve accurate pronunciation in various languages.
8

to roam or wander freely and aimlessly, often with a sense of spontaneity and leisure

  • After finishing their exams, the students decided to roll through the city streets.
  • With no specific destination in mind, the couple chose to roll through the countryside.
  • Instead of following a strict itinerary, the adventurous travelers preferred to roll through the wilderness.
  • On a lazy Sunday afternoon, the family decided to roll along the beach.
  • The retirees embraced their newfound freedom, choosing to roll through different countries.
9

to move in a sinuous or undulating manner, exhibiting a pattern of rising and falling motions

  • The ship began to roll gently with the rhythm of the ocean waves as it sailed across the open sea.
  • The colorful flags outside the carnival tents seemed to roll and flutter in the breeze.
  • As the hot air balloon ascended, it started to roll gracefully in the sky.
  • The dancer's silk scarf rolled and flowed in the air.
  • The lush meadows rolled in the wind, creating a sea of green that extended as far as the eye could see.
10

to move or sway from side to side in a continuous and rocking motion

  • The cradle softly rolled, lulling the baby to sleep.
  • The leaves of the tall grass rolled in the breeze.
  • The old rocking chair creaked as it rolled back and forth on the porch.
  • The waves crashed against the shore, causing the pebbles to roll with the ebb and flow of the tide.