roll up meaning: definition, etymology

roll up

verbalso spelled roll-up

Etymology The "arrive by vehicle" sense involves the notion of being on wheels (or, similarly, on tank treads); it is conceptually coordinate with walk up as in "approach"; thus, both can take to as preposition (e.g., roll up to, walk up to, belly up to).

7 senses

1To dominate by accumulating; to become dominant by accumulating.
2To make something into a particular shape, especially…
3To pack up into a bundle or bindle.
4To create a cigar or cigarette, or a joint.
5To raise (a car window, rolling door, or rolling…
6To roll the dice necessary to create a character for a…
7To arrive by vehicle, usually by car.

1

To dominate by accumulating; to become dominant by accumulating.

The businessmen rolled up the market by buying most of the major players.

2

To make something into a particular shape, especially cylindrical or fold-like.

The shopkeeper had to roll up the poster to make it easier to carry.
When they told you not to fold, spindle, or mutilate a punchcard, the spindling referred to rolling it up.

1 more example

He rolled up his shirt sleeves.

3

To pack up into a bundle or bindle.

4

To create a cigar or cigarette, or a joint.

The audacity of that man rolling up in court was astounding.

5

To raise (a car window, rolling door, or rolling security barrier).

The shopkeeper had to roll up the security barrier to open the shop.

6

To roll the dice necessary to create a character for a game, especially a role-playing game.

Roleplaying games

7

To arrive by vehicle, usually by car.

We thought Jim would be late for the wedding, but then we saw him roll up in front of the church in his Mercedes.
Don't be rolling up to my door without calling ahead.

Derived terms: roll up on, roll up one's sleeves, roll up the sidewalks
Related terms: roll with

roll up

intj

Etymology The "arrive by vehicle" sense involves the notion of being on wheels (or, similarly, on tank treads); it is conceptually coordinate with walk up as in "approach"; thus, both can take to as preposition (e.g., roll up to, walk up to, belly up to).

1

Used to call the attention of potential purchasers.

Roll up, roll up! Pies for sale!

roll-up

adj

Etymology Deverbal from roll up.

1

Capable of being made into a cylinder shape by rolling.

a roll-up door
a roll-up display banner

Related terms: rollabout, rolldown, rolloff