Plain English Meaning

The part of a takeoff or landing where the airplane is still on its wheels, rolling along the runway, before it lifts off or after it touches down.

Full Definition

The portion of a takeoff or landing during which the airplane is in contact with the runway surface, rolling on its wheels. On takeoff, ground roll is the distance traveled from brake release until the wheels leave the runway. On landing, it is the distance from touchdown until the airplane comes to a stop or exits the runway.

Context Anchor

Seen in takeoff and landing discussions, especially when judging how much runway the airplane will need.

Derivation

Ground means the surface under the airplane. Roll originally means to move by turning over, like a wheel. In this term, roll means the wheels are moving along the runway, not that the airplane is banking in .