roll·er / ˈrōlər/ • n. 1. a cylinder that rotates around a central axis and is used in various machines and devices to move, flatten, or spread something. ∎  an absorbent revolving cylinder attached to a handle, used to apply paint. ∎  a small cylinder on which hair is rolled in order to produce curls. ∎  a long swelling wave that appears to roll steadily toward the shore. ∎  [as adj.] of, relating to, or involving roller skates. 2. a brightly colored crow-sized bird (genera Coracias and Eurystomus, family Coraciidae) with predominantly blue plumage, having a characteristic tumbling display flight. 3. a bird of a breed of canary with a trilling song.

roller Any of several species of Eurasian birds that roll over in flight. An occasional visitor to Britain, Coracius garrulus, has blue-green plumage and flies as far north as Sweden; it usually winters in Africa. Family Coraciidae.

roller2 bird with brilliant plumage. XVII. — G. roller, f. rollen — (O)F. rouler ROLL2; perh. so called from its cry.