noun
Common
roller
ROH-luh
Roller (noun) means any cylindrical device that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something. Example: “The gardener pushed a roller across the lawn to flatten the bumps.”
noun
1
Any cylindrical device that turns, used to apply pressure, flatten, or move something.
"The gardener pushed a roller across the lawn to flatten the bumps."
"He spread the paint evenly with a roller."
"A heavy roller flattened the cricket pitch before play."
2
A small wheel or cylinder used to carry or curl something, as in roller skates or hair rollers.
"The suitcase glided along on four small rollers."
"Each night she wound her fringe around a roller to curl it."
"She put her hair in rollers before the party."
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.
Common pairings
paint roller
roller skate
hair roller
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Word forms
- Plural
- rollers
- Third person singular
- rollers
- Past tense
- rollered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gardener pushed a _____ across the lawn to flatten the bumps.
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.
