rolling

The word “rolling” means the action of something turning over and over as it moves. In plain terms, turning over repeatedly while moving, or (as an adjective) continuing steadily without a fixed end point.

“Rolling” is pronounced ROH-lihng (/ˈɹol.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “rolling” used in a sentence: “The rolling of the ship made several passengers seasick.”

Depending on how it is used, “rolling” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Rolling” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Rolling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the action of something turning over and over as it moves.

In rolling, an object turns over and over as it moves, so different points of its surface touch the ground in turn — like a wheel or a ball. In sliding, the same face stays in contact and drags across the surface. Rolling usually meets far less friction, which is why wheels are so useful.

A ball rolling down a hill, a wheel turning along a road, or a log rolling across the ground all show rolling. The object repeatedly turns over itself as it travels forward, rather than sliding or being carried. Coins, barrels and tyres move the same way.

Rolling motion is movement where an object rotates about its own axis while also travelling forward, combining spinning and moving in one action. Ideally each point of the surface touches the ground without slipping. It is how round objects such as wheels, balls and cylinders move most efficiently.