Roland

American  

[roh-luhnd] / ˈroʊ lənd /

noun

1. Italian Orlando.  the greatest of the paladins in the Charlemagne cycle of the chansons de geste, renowned for his prowess and the manner of his death in the battle of Roncesvalles (a.d. 778), also for his five days' combat with Oliver in which neither was the victor.

2. a male given name: from Germanic words meaning “glory” and “land.”

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idioms

1. a Roland for an Oliver, retaliation or a retort equal to its provocation; a blow for a blow.

Roland British  

/ ˈrəʊlənd /

noun

1. the greatest of the legendary 12 peers (paladins, of whom Oliver was another) in attendance on Charlemagne; he died in battle at Roncesvalles (778 _ad )

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Example Sentences

“We’re kind of living one month to the next,” Roland Lescure, France’s minister of economy and finance, said in an interview on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The Supreme Court’s decision affirms a 2024 ruling from State Bar Judge Yvette Roland that Eastman be prohibited from practicing law.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

When consultants take over front-line roles during strikes, decision‑making tends to be more direct, according to Dr Damian Roland of the University of Leicester.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

"I know what Fidesz brings, I know what Fidesz does, I live in it," says Deputy Mayor Roland Kósa, who speaks of an arrogance towards power.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

It was sometimes difficult to believe that Dr. Roland was a tenured professor in the Social Science Department of this, a distinguished college.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt