Sound-alike words
Role vs. Roll
Role is a noun meaning a part or job, like a role in a play or a key role on a team. Roll means to turn over and over, or a rounded thing such as a bread roll.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| role | noun | a part played by an actor, or the job or purpose of someone or something |
| roll | verb | to move by turning over and over, or to wrap something into a tube or ball shape |
| noun | a small round piece of bread, a list of names, or something wound into a tube |
Role
noun: a part played by an actor, or the job or purpose of someone or something
- Leo got the lead role in the school musical.
- Sleep plays a big role in how well you learn.
Roll
verb: to move by turning over and over, or to wrap something into a tube or ball shape
- The ball rolled under the couch and disappeared.
- Roll the dough into a thin circle before adding the toppings.
noun: a small round piece of bread, a list of names, or something wound into a tube
- Grab a roll of tape from the top drawer.
- The teacher called the roll before the field trip.
How to remember the difference
Roll has two Ls, like two wheels that roll. Role ends in E, like the extra in a movie who plays a small role.
Good to know
The phrase is role model (someone people look up to), not roll model. Role play and role-playing also use role. But you are on a roll when things keep going well, and taking attendance is a roll call.
Spot the mistake
My older sister was always a great
rollrole model for me.Correct: My older sister was always a great role model for me.
The team has won six games straight and is really on a
role.roll.Correct: The team has won six games straight and is really on a roll.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. Teachers play an important in a child's life.
Answer: role. It means a part or job someone has, which is the noun role.
2. Can you up the yoga mat and put it away?
Answer: roll. It means to wind something into a tube shape, the verb roll.