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
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.”
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.”
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.” “Imagine a room with roller blinds and curtains.” 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
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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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englishreference.com/q/roller
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR