1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To introduce, launch, or implement something new, often in stages across different areas.
"The company plans to roll out the new app to all users by the end of the month."
separable
roll out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To introduce or launch something new in a planned, gradual way, or to flatten something by rolling.
In plain English
To introduce a new product or plan step by step, or to flatten dough with a rolling pin.
What does "roll out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To flatten dough or pastry by rolling it with a rolling pin.
"Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 5mm thick."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To bring out or deploy something on a large scale, such as equipment or forces.
"The government rolled out a fleet of mobile vaccination units across the country."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To roll something outward, unrolling it flat — the business sense metaphorically 'spreads out' a product across a market.
Actually means
To introduce a new product or plan step by step, or to flatten dough with a rolling pin.
Usage tip
Extremely common in business, technology, and marketing contexts. 'Roll out' implies a phased, strategic release — often used for software updates, vaccines, new policies, or products. The culinary sense (rolling out pastry or dough) is literal and very common. The military sense (rolling out a formation) is less common today.
Words that pair with "roll out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
product update software vaccine policy programme campaign dough pastry
How to conjugate "roll out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
roll out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rolls out
he/she/it
Past simple
rolled out
yesterday
Past participle
rolled out
have + pp
-ing form
rolling out
continuous
Hear "roll out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "roll out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.