“Roles” or “Rolls”

Overview

roles / rolls are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

roles: (noun) normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting.

rolls: (noun) a list of names. (noun) photographic film rolled up inside a container to protect it from light. (noun) anything rolled up in cylindrical form. (noun) walking with a swaying gait. (noun) a flight maneuver; aircraft rotates about its longitudinal axis without changing direction or losing altitude. (noun) the act of rolling something (as the ball in bowling). (verb) move by turning over or rotating. (verb) occur in soft rounded shapes. (verb) emit, produce, or utter with a deep prolonged reverberating sound. (verb) begin operating or running. (verb) shape by rolling. (verb) execute a roll, in tumbling. (verb) move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion. (verb) move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment. (verb) move, rock, or sway from side to side. (verb) cause to move by turning over or in a circular manner of as if on an axis. (verb) pronounce with a roll, of the phoneme /r/. (verb) take the shape of a roll or cylinder. (verb) show certain properties when being rolled.

Pronunciation

roles: r·OW·l·z

rolls: r·OW·l·z

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