roll-up

[ rohl-uhp ]

noun

1. Also rollup. something, as a carpet or window shade, that can be rolled up when not in use.
2. Informal. an increase, as in value or cost.

roll up

verb

1. to form or cause to form a cylindrical shape
2. tr to wrap (an object) round on itself or on an axis

   to roll up a map

3. informal.
   intr to arrive, esp in a vehicle
4. intr to proceed or develop
5. intr to assemble; congregate

noun

1. informal.
   a cigarette made by hand from loose tobacco and cigarette paper
2. (in the 19th century) a mass meeting of workers on an issue of common concern
3. archaic.
   the attendance at any fixture

   they had a good roll-up

Word History and Origins

Origin of roll-up¹

First recorded in 1745–55; noun use of verb phrase roll up

Example Sentences

In one scene a little boy sits near an IRA soldier watching British officers quietly roll up in vehicles and doesn’t flinch as the man runs off and bullets whiz by his head.

From Salon

On Wednesday the Sun newspaper published pictures it says were taken during this summer's European Championship, alleging they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.

From BBC

“They have trusted us with their votes. Now we have to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

From Salon

The high school star from San Diego will never forget the night John Robinson rolled up to recruit him to USC.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves."

From Salon

Related Words

• bandage
• bind
• bundle
• cloak
• clothe
• cover
• drape
• encase
• enclose
• fold
• hide
• immerse
• pack
• sheathe
• shroud
• swaddle
• swathe