English Reference

Word

roller

US/ˈɹoʊɫɝ/

UK/ɹˈəʊlɐ/

Definitions

01painting or hair tool

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a tube-shaped tool that turns to apply paint to a wall or to curl hair.

n. a cylindrical device that rotates on an axis, used for applying liquids like paint or for shaping hair into curls.

“He used a long-handled roller to paint the ceiling quickly.”

“The decorator opted for a high-pile roller to ensure the textured masonry was completely covered in a single coat.”

Synonyms

cylindercurler

02a large wave

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very large, powerful wave that rolls toward the shore.

n. a heavy, swelling wave that advances steadily and breaks on the shore.

“The surfers waited for a massive roller to come in from the ocean.”

“The Atlantic rollers crashed against the jagged cliffs with such force that the spray reached the lighthouse windows.”

Synonyms

03film credits

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Technical

n. the list of names that moves up the screen at the end of a movie.

n. a sequence of titles or credits that scrolls vertically across a screen at the conclusion of a broadcast or film.

“Wait until the end of the roller to see if there is a secret scene.”

“The production assistant was tasked with double-checking every name on the end roller to avoid any union disputes after the premiere.”

Synonyms

04Rolls-Royce car

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · British English

n. a casual name for a Rolls-Royce car.

n. a colloquial designation for a Rolls-Royce motor vehicle.

“The celebrity arrived at the awards show in a vintage roller.”

“He spent his lottery winnings on a custom-built roller, complete with a champagne cooler and silk upholstery.”

Synonyms

05music style

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Music Slang

n. a type of drum and bass music with a steady, rolling beat.

n. a drum and bass track characterised by a continuous, rolling percussion loop and a deep, rhythmic bassline.

“The DJ played a heavy roller that kept everyone dancing.”

“The producer is renowned for his signature rollers, which rely on intricate breakbeats and minimalist sub-bass arrangements.”

Real-World Examples

“On one particularly hot day in June, she used a paint roller to spread a kilogram of yoghurt on the outside of the windows of her house in Hitchin.”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026
“Imagine a room with roller blinds and curtains.”
The Guardian 20 Jul 2026

Etymology

* From Middle English rollere, equivalent to roll + -er. * (credits in TV or film): These were originally printed on a physical cylinder that was rotated in front of the camera.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

roller(C2)

ADJECTIVE

Domains

FilmMusicTelevision

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C2 · Proficiency
Updated

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English Reference