roller
- 01 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.
Simple“He used a long-handled roller to paint the ceiling quickly.”
In context“The decorator opted for a high-pile roller to ensure the textured masonry was completely covered in a single coat.”
Synonymscylindercurler - 02 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.
Simple“The surfers waited for a massive roller to come in from the ocean.”
In context“The Atlantic rollers crashed against the jagged cliffs with such force that the spray reached the lighthouse windows.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“Wait until the end of the roller to see if there is a secret scene.”
In context“The production assistant was tasked with double-checking every name on the end roller to avoid any union disputes after the premiere.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a casual name for a Rolls-Royce car.
a colloquial designation for a Rolls-Royce motor vehicle.
Simple“The celebrity arrived at the awards show in a vintage roller.”
In context“He spent his lottery winnings on a custom-built roller, complete with a champagne cooler and silk upholstery.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The DJ played a heavy roller that kept everyone dancing.”
In context“The producer is renowned for his signature rollers, which rely on intricate breakbeats and minimalist sub-bass arrangements.”
“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.”
* 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.