English Reference
verb · noun

scroll

v. · n.
US /ˈskɹoʊɫ/ UK /skɹˈəʊl/ scroll UK spelling scrolled, scrolls

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    v.to move up, down, or across a screen to see more information.

    v.to move text or images on a digital display vertically or horizontally to view content that extends beyond the screen's boundaries.

    Simple

    You can scroll down the page to read the rest of the article.

    In context

    Users tend to scroll past long blocks of text unless the information is broken up by clear headings or engaging visuals.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a long roll of paper or parchment used for writing or drawing.

    n.a roll of parchment, papyrus, or paper containing writing or images, typically used before the invention of the bound book.

    Simple

    The ancient scroll was kept in a glass case to protect the delicate paper.

    In context

    The historian carefully unrolled the leather scroll to examine the medieval maps drawn on its surface.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.a decoration that looks like a spiral or a curled leaf.

    n.an ornamental design or architectural feature consisting of spiral or volute shapes, often resembling plant forms.

    Simple

    The old wooden chair had beautiful scrolls carved into the arms.

    In context

    The iron gates were adorned with intricate scrolls that mirrored the floral patterns found in the surrounding garden.

    spiralcurlvolute
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    n.the curled wooden end at the top of a violin or cello.

    n.the decorative, carved end of the neck of a stringed instrument, such as a violin or viola.

    Simple

    The musician held the violin by the neck, just below the carved scroll.

    In context

    Luthiers often take great pride in the symmetry and elegance of the scroll, as it is a signature element of their craftsmanship.

    headstock
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate British English Cooking

    n.a type of sweet bread or pastry rolled into a spiral shape.

    n.a sweet roll or pastry formed by rolling dough into a spiral, often containing cinnamon or fruit.

    Simple

    I bought a cinnamon scroll and a coffee for breakfast.

    In context

    The bakery is famous for its glazed apple scrolls, which are baked fresh every morning using a traditional recipe.

    cinnamon rollspiral

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From Middle English scrowle, scrolle, from earlier scrowe, scrouwe (influenced by Middle English rolle), from Old French escroe, escrowe, escrouwe (“scroll, strip of parchment”), from Frankish skrōda (“a shred”), from Proto-Germanic skraudō, from skrew- (“to cut; cutting tool”), extension of (s)ker- (“to cut”). Doublet of shred and escrow.

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

This entry
Origin gem-pro *skraudō
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated