ENGLISH
REFERENCE

roller

n.
US //ˈɹoʊɫɝ// UK //ɹˈəʊlɐ// roller
  1. 1 painting or hair tool (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The decorator opted for a high-pile roller to ensure the textured masonry was completely covered in a single coat.
  2. 2 a large wave (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The Atlantic rollers crashed against the jagged cliffs with such force that the spray reached the lighthouse windows.
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  1. 3 film credits (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The production assistant was tasked with double-checking every name on the end roller to avoid any union disputes after the premiere.
  2. 4 Rolls-Royce car (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal British English

    a casual name for a Rolls-Royce car.

    a colloquial designation for a Rolls-Royce motor vehicle.

    Example

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

    Example

    He spent his lottery winnings on a custom-built roller, complete with a champagne cooler and silk upholstery.
  3. 5 music style (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Music

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

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

    Example

    The DJ played a heavy roller that kept everyone dancing.

    Example

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

Origin

* 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.

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