cinnamon roll

noun

plural cinnamon rolls
: a spiral-shaped roll of sweet bread typically with a cinnamon and sugar filling and often glazed with icing, caramel, or melted brown sugar and butter and sometimes topped with nuts
The scent of sweet cinnamon rolls swirls from the oven …—Chris Day
The first modern cinnamon rolls … became popular in Europe, eventually migrating to the United States, where the recipe underwent a few changes. Early American versions of the roll incorporated extra ingredients such as raisins, and Americans were the ones who came up with dolloping a giant layer of icing on top.—Isaac McGill
… a fluffy cinnamon roll covered in caramel … and plenty of pecans.—Nathan Hutsenpiller

called also cinnamon bun

Examples of cinnamon roll in a Sentence

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.
Knaus Berry Farm officially opened for the season on Tuesday, marking 70 years in business, and there are some exciting changes being introduced that are sure to keep families coming back for more of their delicious cinnamon rolls. — Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 For breakfast or lunch, head to the Goldener side to The Kitz, which is more akin to a Ladurée in design and serves up lavender-cardamom cinnamon rolls and gourmet sandwiches. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 The farm has also increased the parking and extended the season to 30 weeks in hopes of giving fans a longer period to enjoy not only the cinnamon rolls but also shakes, jellies and baked goods. — Connie Ogle october 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Immediately before baking, drizzle the milk over the cinnamon rolls. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cinnamon roll

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cinnamon roll was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Cinnamon roll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinnamon%20roll. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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