unroll
Americanverb (used with object)
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to open or spread out (something rolled or coiled).
to unroll a bolt of fabric.
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to lay open; display; reveal.
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Obsolete. to strike from a roll or register.
verb (used without object)
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to become unrolled or spread out.
The scrolls unroll easily.
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to become continuously visible or apparent.
The landscape unrolled before our eyes.
verb
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to open out or unwind (something rolled, folded, or coiled) or (of something rolled, etc) to become opened out or unwound
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to make or become visible or apparent, esp gradually; unfold
Etymology
Origin of unroll
First recorded in 1375–1425, unroll is from the late Middle English word unrollen. See un- 2, roll
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Now slice the cylinder open and unroll it to get a flat rectangular sheet.
From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026
Some people even unroll tin cans into strips to form parts of their walls.
From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024
The test will unroll over the next 10 weeks.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2024
Dr. Seales released his images, and the computer code he used to unroll the scrolls.
From NewsForKids.net • Oct. 25, 2023
To read one, the reader would unroll the next column of text on the right side while rerolling the last on the left.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
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.
