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Roland

American  
[roh-luhnd] / ˈroʊ lənd /

noun

  1. Italian Orlando. the greatest of the paladins in the Charlemagne cycle of the chansons de geste, renowned for his prowess and the manner of his death in the battle of Roncesvalles (a.d. 778), also for his five days' combat with Oliver in which neither was the victor.

  2. a male given name: from Germanic words meaning “glory” and “land.”


idioms

  1. a Roland for an Oliver, retaliation or a retort equal to its provocation; a blow for a blow.

Roland British  
/ ˈrəʊlənd /

noun

  1. the greatest of the legendary 12 peers (paladins, of whom Oliver was another) in attendance on Charlemagne; he died in battle at Roncesvalles (778 ad )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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Alongside his hallmark invention, Casher helped develop, invent and popularize the Ecco-Fonic, a compact tape echo system, the Fender Electronic Echo Chamber and the Roland Guitar Synthesizer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

Finance Minister Roland Lescure pledged support measures for shopkeepers and craftspeople.

From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026

In an interview, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said he is open to negotiation but will do “whatever it takes” to get the budget through.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

From 1979 to 1982, he was a member of the band Neon, which included Fisher and future Tears for Fears founders Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

Roland G. Fryer Jr., while discussing his names research on a radio show, took a call from a black woman who was upset with the name just given to her baby niece.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

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