scroll

1 of 2

noun

ˈskrōl How to pronounce scroll (audio)
1
a
: a roll (as of papyrus, leather, or parchment) for writing a document
b
archaic : a written message
c
: roster, list
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
ˈskrōld How to pronounce scroll (audio)
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 windows.—David 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 third-gen iPod was the first to offer an all-touch scroll wheel interface, as well as a dock connector and a slimmer case. — Eric Griffith, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 Combining Hanvon's own refresh technology with the T2000 timing controller developed by E Ink and Himax, E Ink says the tablet turns pages and scrolls 27% faster. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
The practical read for anyone scrolling product reviews, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease, do not experiment with mouth tape. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 Nebraska native Sydney Loofe was looking for love, or at least for some fun, while scrolling through Tinder back in 2017. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 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

1971, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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

Phrases Containing scroll

Rhymes for scroll

See All Rhymes for scroll

Browse Nearby Words

scrog
scroll
scroll bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scroll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scroll. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scroll

1 of 2 noun
ˈskrōl How to pronounce scroll (audio)
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
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