# roller

/ˈɹoʊɫɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/roller
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. painting or hair tool

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a large wave

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. film credits

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. Rolls-Royce car

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · British English

a casual name for a Rolls-Royce car.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. music style

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The DJ played a heavy roller that kept everyone dancing.
- The second track on the EP is a dark roller with a deep, hypnotic bassline that never lets up.
- While some producers focus on complex edits and frequent drops, he is known for crafting the kind of minimalist roller that maintains peak energy throughout a ten-minute set.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.