scroll

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a roll (as of papyrus, leather, or parchment) for writing a document
b
archaic : a written message
c
d
: a riband with rolled ends often inscribed with a motto
2
a
: something resembling a scroll in shape
especially : a spiral or convoluted form in ornamental design derived from the curves of a loosely or partly rolled parchment scroll
b
: the curved head of a bowed stringed musical instrument see violin illustration
scrolled adjective

Illustration of scroll

Illustration of scroll
  • scroll 1a

scroll

2 of 2

verb

scrolled; scrolling; scrolls

intransitive verb

1
: to move text or graphics up or down or across a display screen as if by unrolling a scroll
2
: to progress, move, or be revealed as if by the unrolling of a scroll
watch scenery scroll by large picture windowsDavid Yeadon

transitive verb

: to cause (text or graphics on a display screen) to move in scrolling

Examples of scroll in a Sentence

Noun He read from the scroll. a scarf with lovely green scrolls on it Verb You have to scroll the screen to see the bottom of the Web page.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The innovative medium started in South Korea but the popularity of the medium — think an online graphic novel presented as a blog-like scroll that is regularly updated with new material — has spread wide and far across the globe. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025 She feels compelled to get the word out, to prevent Richard from becoming another anonymous victim on the scroll of police shootings. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
Keep scrolling for more L’Oréal Paris makeup products — all under $15. Melony Forcier, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Choose See more dates to scroll through the photos. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scroll 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scrowle, blend of rolle roll and scrowe scrap, scroll (from Anglo-French escrowe, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schrode piece cut off, Old High German scrōt) — more at shred entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scroll was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near scroll

Cite this Entry

“Scroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scroll. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

scroll

1 of 2 noun
1
: a roll of paper or animal skin that has been prepared as a writing surface
especially : one on which something is written or engraved
2
: an ornament resembling a loosely or partly rolled scroll

scroll

2 of 2 verb
: to move (as text or graphics) up or down or across a display screen as if by unrolling a scroll

More from Merriam-Webster on scroll

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!