DictionaryrollSmall bread
noun

roll

A small rounded piece of bread.

She serves a warm roll beside each bowl of soup.

Etymology

The bread is named for its rolled or rounded form. The noun transfers the shape made by rolling to the individual baked portion.

More examples

  • He buttered two rolls for breakfast.
  • The bakery sold out of fresh rolls.
  • I saved the last roll for you.

Forms

roll · rolls

Similar words

bun
Often a softer or sweeter small bread.
biscuit
In American English, a different small bread typically made without yeast.