unroll

verb

un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl 

unrolled; unrolling; unrolls

transitive verb

1

: to unwind a roll of : open out : uncoil

2

: to spread out like a scroll for reading or inspection : unfold, reveal

intransitive verb

: to be unrolled : unwind

Examples of unroll in a Sentence

He carefully unrolled the ancient scroll.

I unrolled the new carpet.

When we arrived at the cabin, we unrolled our sleeping bags.

The hose will unroll if you pull on it.

Last week, the government unrolled a new vaccination campaign.

The scandal unrolled over the course of several weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then unroll the towel and allow the suit to dry flat. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

The Cannes Film Festival ended on Saturday, May 23, but the red carpet remains unrolled. —Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 31 May 2026

And then you're supposed to unroll this cake. —Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026

Mira began absent-mindedly rolling and unrolling a fine-tooth comb through her curls. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unroll

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

unroll

verb

un·​roll ˌən-ˈrōl 

ˈən-

1

: to unwind a roll of : open out

unroll a carpet

2

: disclose

the government unrolled a new program

3

: to become unrolled or spread out : unfold

a view of mountains unrolled before them