roller
Roller (noun) means any cylindrical device that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something. Example: “He spread the paint evenly with a roller.”
How to Use Roller
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cylindrical tool or wheel that rolls — used for painting, flattening surfaces, curling hair, or moving heavy objects.
Word Forms
rollered past tense, rollers plural, Rollers plural, rollers singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spread the paint evenly with a _____.
Etymology
From Middle English rollere, formed from roll plus the agent suffix -er.
Related Words
Rhymes for roller
See all rhymes for roller →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “roller” mean?
The word “roller” means any cylindrical device that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something. In plain terms, a cylindrical tool or wheel that rolls — used for painting, flattening surfaces, curling hair, or moving heavy objects.
How do you pronounce “roller”?
“Roller” is pronounced ROH-luh (/ˈɹoʊlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “roller” in a sentence?
Here is “roller” used in a sentence: “He spread the paint evenly with a roller.”
What part of speech is “roller”?
“Roller” is a noun.
Where does the word “roller” come from?
The word “roller” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rollere, formed from roll plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “roller” a common word?
“Roller” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “roller” have?
“Roller” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any cylindrical device that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something.
When should you use a roller instead of a brush for painting?
Use a roller for large, flat surfaces such as walls and ceilings: the rotating cylinder spreads paint quickly and evenly with light pressure. A brush is better for edges, corners, trim, and detail work. Many decorators cut in the edges with a brush first, then fill the open areas with a roller.
What is the difference between rollers and curlers for hair?
There is no real difference — hair rollers and curlers are the same small cylinders that hair is wound around to set a curl, and the words are used interchangeably. "Roller" points to the cylindrical shape, while "curler" points to the result.
What is the difference between a roller and a caster?
A roller is any cylinder that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something — paint rollers and conveyor rollers, for example. A caster is a specific small wheel unit, usually swiveling, mounted under furniture or equipment so it can be pushed around. Every caster rolls, but "roller" is the broader term for any working cylinder.