unroll

American  

[uhn-rohl] / ʌnˈroʊl /

verb (used with object)

1. to open or spread out (something rolled or coiled).

   to unroll a bolt of fabric.

2. to lay open; display; reveal.

3. Obsolete. to strike from a roll or register.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become unrolled or spread out.

   The scrolls unroll easily.

2. to become continuously visible or apparent.

   The landscape unrolled before our eyes.

unroll British  

/ ʌnˈrəʊl /

verb

1. to open out or unwind (something rolled, folded, or coiled) or (of something rolled, etc) to become opened out or unwound

2. to make or become visible or apparent, esp gradually; unfold

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Etymology

Origin of unroll

First recorded in 1375–1425, unroll is from the late Middle English word unrollen. See un- ², roll

Example Sentences

Nim called as the big bird soared up to his nest on the cliffs, and she unrolled Jack’s letter.

From Literature

He pulled at the sheet, fascinated, as more and more of it unrolled.

From Literature

She brought it back to the table, and when she unrolled it, Danny could see a map of Manhattan Island.

From Literature

He could walk to the bathroom and unroll the interesting roll of paper that hung there on the wall.

From Literature

He unrolled a huge piece of blue-and-gray fabric and held it up.

From Literature

Related Words

• unfurl