Rolls: meaning, definitions and examples

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rolls

 

[ roʊlz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

types of bread

Rolls are small, round pieces of bread, typically served as a side dish or used for sandwiches. They are often soft and fluffy, with a crusty exterior, and can be found in various types such as dinner rolls, bread rolls, and Kaiser rolls.

Synonyms

bread, buns, loaves.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a basket of rolls to go with my soup.
  • The bakery sells fresh dinner rolls every morning.
  • She made homemade rolls for the holiday dinner.
Context #2 | Verb

to turn over

To roll means to move by turning over and over on a surface. This action can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts, such as emotions or situations.

Synonyms

move, spin, turn.

Examples of usage

  • The child loves to roll down the hill.
  • She rolled the dough into a ball before baking.
  • The ball rolled across the floor.

Etymology

The word 'roll' comes from the Old English 'rollian', which meant 'to turn over'. Its origins can be traced further back to the Latin word 'rotundus', meaning round. Originally used in the context of physical motion, the term evolved to describe the shape of certain baked goods. Over time, 'roll' has been adopted in various languages to describe similar bread types, reflecting its widespread use in different cultures. The association with bread likely began in medieval times, when bakers crafted small, round bread pieces fit for individual servings at meals. Today, rolls have become a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,068 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.