English Reference

Word

scroll

US/ˈskɹoʊɫ/

UK/skɹˈəʊl/

Definitions

01to move through digital content

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.

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

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

Synonyms

02a roll of paper

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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.

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

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

Antonyms

03a spiral decoration

C1 · Advanced Countable noun 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.

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

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

Synonyms

spiralcurlvolute

04instrument part

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical

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.

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

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

Synonyms

headstock

05a spiral pastry

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking British English

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.

“I bought a cinnamon scroll and a coffee for breakfast.”

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

Synonyms

cinnamon rollspiral

Etymology

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.

Domains

AnatomyComputingCookingInternet

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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