Role vs Roll
Published January 25, 2023. Updated January 25, 2023.
Role and roll have the same pronunciation and very similar spellings, but they have different meanings. Role is always used as a noun whereas roll can be used as both a noun and verb with multiple meanings.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Role (noun)
- A character or part in a play, musical, movie, TV show, etc. played by a performer or in a role-playing game by a player.
Examples:
The actress was excited about the role she auditioned for.
It’s important that you memorize each line of dialogue for this role!
- Of a person or group of people, their expected behavior or place in an institution or society.
Examples:
Some people like traditional gender roles while others want more freedom of choice.
The role of a pet has changed from a working animal or guard to a family member.
- A function or purpose for something or someone.
Examples:
Can you please send me a job description via email, so I can better understand this role?
How important of a role should technology play in our day-to-day lives?
Note: There are a few more definitions of role, but these are the most common ones.
Roll (verb)
- To move something or cause it to move by making it revolve or turn over and over.
Examples:
The child rolled the ball on the floor before kicking it.
The wheels were really rolling on the cart when the horse pulled it quickly.
- To turn something over and over and turn it into a sphere shape or to wrap something
Examples:
They rolled three snowballs into a snowman.
How do they roll toilet paper rolls at the factory?
- To throw dice.
Examples:
She rolled a lucky 7 and won so much money playing craps.
Rolling dice is part of many tabletop role-playing games.
Notes: There are many other definitions of roll, but these are three of the most common. Most have something to do with causing something to revolve, to make something circular, etc. in specialized ways.
Roll (noun)
- Something that’s been rolled or rolled up.
Examples:
I gained so much weight, I now have squishy fat rolls on my sides.
What was the result of the roll of your dice?
- A written document, a list of names, addresses, registrants, etc.
Examples:
Teachers check their roll list every morning to see who is present and who is absent.
Did you make sure you were on the voter roll?
- A measurement of cloth, certain kinds of paper, tobacco, etc.
Examples:
How many rolls of fabric should I buy for the costume department?
Don’t forget to get more rolls of paper towels.
Main Points
- Both words are used as nouns, but roll can also be used as a verb.
- Role has to do with someone’s place, behavior, function, etc. in society, a character or part in a play, movie, etc., or something’s purpose, function, etc.
- Roll has many meanings. Most of them have to do with something being moved in a circular manner or turning something into a sphere, although it can also be used to mean throwing dice, a registry of names, etc.