Definition

Noun: 1. A type of women's undergarment, typically a girdle or corset, designed to be stepped into and then rolled up into place on the hips and waist. 2. A type of container or dispenser for a liquid cosmetic product (such as a deodorant or perfume) that uses a small revolving ball at the top to apply the substance.

Usage

The word "roll-on" functions as a noun. It is often used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun to describe the type of product or garment.

Examples

1. (Undergarment)

   • She preferred a roll-on to traditional corsets for its ease of use.
   • The vintage store had a collection of roll-on girdles from the 1950s.

2. (Cosmetic dispenser)

   • I need to buy more roll-on deodorant.
   • For travel, a roll-on perfume is less likely to leak than a spray.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often part of a compound noun where "roll-on" specifies the application mechanism. The focus remains on the dispenser itself or the product in that type of dispenser.
  • Roll-on applicators are common for anti-perspirants.
  • This roll-on is formulated for sensitive skin.

Variants and Related Words

• Roll-on/roll-off (adj.): A completely separate term used in transport (e.g., ferries, ships) describing a system where vehicles roll on and roll off under their own power. This is not a variant of the cosmetic/garment term.
• Applicator: A more general word for a device used to apply a substance.
• Stick deodorant: A different type of deodorant dispenser.
• Girdle: A close-fitting undergarment, which may be a type of .

Synonyms

1. (For garment): Foundation garment, girdle, corset.
2. (For dispenser): Ball applicator, rollerball applicator.

Related Phrases

• Roll-on deodorant: The most common compound phrase, where "roll-on" modifies "deodorant" to specify its type.
• Roll-on perfume/perfume roll-on: A perfume sold in a roll-on dispenser.

Noun

1. a woman's foundation garment rolled on to the hips
2. a dispenser of a liquid cosmetic (such as a deodorant) having a revolving ball as an applicator