Also rollup something, as a carpet or window shade, that can be rolled up when not in use.
Informal. an increase, as in value or cost.
to form or cause to form a cylindrical shape
(tr) to wrap (an object) round on itself or on an axis
to roll up a map
informal (intr) to arrive, esp in a vehicle
(intr) to proceed or develop
(intr) to assemble; congregate
informal a cigarette made by hand from loose tobacco and cigarette paper
(in the 19th century) a mass meeting of workers on an issue of common concern
archaic the attendance at any fixture
they had a good roll-up
Accumulate, as in He rolled up a fortune in commodity trading , or She rolled up a huge number of votes in this district . [Mid-1800s]
Arrive in a vehicle, as in They rolled up in a taxi at exactly eight o'clock .
What does roll-up mean? A roll-up is something that can be easily rolled into a cylinder, such as a rug or a window shade. Informally, a roll-up is also an increase, such as with a roll-up cost. Roll-up can also be spelled rollup. Roll up means to wrap an object around itself or on an axis, as with a map. Informally, roll up can also mean to arrive, especially in a vehicle. Example: Roll up that blanket and throw it in the picnic basket.
First recorded in 1745–55; noun use of verb phrase roll up
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It also lays the groundwork for Musk to further roll up his technology empire following the merger of SpaceX and xAI last month, according to Wedbush.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Walkers must therefore roll up their trousers and wade across the river within an hour either side of low tide.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
PE-backed ventures frequently roll up several once independent practices in a field under one umbrella company that can save money by pooling resources and becoming big enough to negotiate with insurers for higher rates.
From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026
Steps taken to try and prevent fraud including matching a practical test candidate's face with their photo ID, as well as asking theory candidates to roll up their sleeves and show their pockets are empty.
From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026
I start to roll up my sleeves to finish the last bit of cleaning when I hear Matant Jo wail.
From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
