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.”

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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 )

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Example Sentences

“We’re kind of living one month to the next,” Roland Lescure, France’s minister of economy and finance, said in an interview on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“It is true that an attorney has a duty to engage in zealous advocacy on behalf of a client,” Roland wrote in 2024 in a 128-page ruling.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"Lower occupancy improves flow, and with that the patient experience," Roland said.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

"They needed to do something," said Roland, of the pupils' decision not to attend last week.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"Roland, come close my door," she said, coughing.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds