Roll: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'roll' when something moves by turning over itself on a surface, especially in a circular motion. This can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts.

• The ball rolled down the hill.
• Let's roll out the dough for the pizza.

Use 'turn' for any kind of change in direction or position, often used in everyday situations. This is a general term for various forms of movement.

• Please turn the doorknob to open the door.
• You need to turn left at the next intersection.

Use 'rotate' when something turns around an axis or center point. This can refer to both physical movement and abstract changes such as job roles or responsibilities.

• You need to rotate the tires every 5,000 miles.
• We will rotate the committee chairperson every year.

Use 'spin' when something turns quickly around an axis. This word often gives the sense of high-speed rotation and can be used in both physical and figurative contexts.

• The dancer can spin very fast on one foot.
• He began to spin tales of his adventures.

Can also mean a type of bread that is small and round.

• I bought a roll from the bakery to have with my soup.

Used to describe the action of covering something by winding or folding material around it. It can also refer to a type of sandwich made with a tortilla or other flatbread.

• Please wrap the gift before you give it to him.
• She ordered a chicken wrap for lunch.

Used to describe the action of moving content up or down on a screen or a piece of parchment that can be rolled up.

• She had to scroll down to read the entire article.
• The ancient scroll contained valuable historical information.

Refers to a type of thin, round flatbread used in Mexican cuisine.

• I love to make tacos with corn tortillas.
• She heated the tortilla on the skillet before adding the filling.

When something turns over itself in a continuous or smooth motion, typically in a horizontal direction.

• The ball started to roll down the hill.
• He loves to roll in bed before getting up.

When something makes a complete turn around an axis, can be used in technical or scientific contexts.

• The Earth’s rotation around its axis takes 24 hours.
• The rotation speed of the engine is crucial.

When something is turned into a spiral shape or bent out of shape, often with force. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies distortion.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle.
• The plot had such a surprising twist at the end.
• Don't twist my words!

When something is turned over quickly, usually in a sudden motion, often vertical.

• She can flip a pancake perfectly.
• The gymnast managed to flip in the air effortlessly.