piano roll

noun

: a music roll used in a player piano or piano player (see piano player sense 2)
Gershwin had preserved That Old Feeling on the piano roll and his performance was now being rendered posthumously.Ebony, May 1966

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of piano roll was in 1911

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near piano roll

Cite this Entry

“Piano roll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piano%20roll. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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