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

She played four clay court events last year, with the highlight a run to the fourth round in Rome, but experienced further back issues in Strasbourg and after competing at Roland Garros.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

“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

"I know what Fidesz brings, I know what Fidesz does, I live in it," says Deputy Mayor Roland Kósa, who speaks of an arrogance towards power.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Roland Hayes invited her to sing on some of his own programs.

From "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman