roll

roll ► VERB 1) move by turning over and over on an axis. 2) move forward on wheels or with a smooth, undulating motion. 3) (of a moving ship, aircraft, or vehicle) sway on an axis parallel to the direction of motion. 4) (of a machine or device) begin operating. 5) (often roll up) turn (something flexible) over and over on itself to form a cylindrical or spherical shape. 6) (roll up) curl up tightly. 7) flatten (something) by passing a roller over it or by passing it between rollers. 8) (of a loud, deep sound such as that of thunder) reverberate. 9) pronounce (a consonant, typically an r) with a trill. 10) (rolling) (of land) extending in gentle undulations. 11) (rolling) steady and continuous: a rolling programme of reforms.

► NOUN 1) a cylinder formed by rolling flexible material. 2) a rolling movement. 3) a gymnastic exercise in which the body is rolled into a tucked position and turned in a forward or backward circle. 4) a prolonged, deep, reverberating sound. 5) (in drumming) a sustained, rapid alternation of single or double strokes of each stick. 6) a very small loaf of bread. 7) an official list or register of names. 8) a document in scroll form. 9) N. Amer. & Austral. a quantity of banknotes rolled together.

● a roll in the hay (or the sack) — Cf. ↑a roll in the sack

● be rolling in it (or money) — Cf. ↑be rolling in money

● on a roll — Cf. ↑on a roll

● roll in — Cf. ↑roll in

● a rolling stone gathers no moss — Cf. ↑a rolling stone gathers no moss

● roll of honour — Cf. ↑roll of honour

● roll out — Cf. ↑roll out

● roll over — Cf. ↑roll over

● roll up — Cf. ↑roll up

● roll up one's sleeves — Cf. ↑roll up one's sleeves

● roll with the punches — Cf. ↑roll with the punches

ORIGIN Old French roller, from Latin rotulus 'a roll, little wheel' .