unlace

verb

un·​lace ˌən-ˈlās How to pronounce unlace (audio)
unlaced; unlacing; unlaces

transitive verb

1
: to loose by undoing a lacing
2
obsolete : undo, disgrace

Examples of unlace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web More than one hiker has inadvertently gotten the oil on their fingers when unlacing a boot, then transferred it to their forehead. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 Usher followed — reportedly only after unlacing his skates first — and allegedly went to meet Brown & Co. behind some buses parked outside. Vulture, 8 May 2023 However, the zipper eliminates having to fully unlace the Kamiak Ridge with each use. Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2021 Their joy turns to horror as a train approaches and Buddy struggles to unlace his shoe. Michelle Matthews | Mmatthews@al.com, al, 9 Dec. 2020 Keep your shoes laced normally, then unlace the top two eyelets (this includes that extra eyelet on the top). Alexa Tucker, SELF, 8 May 2019 At the French Open on Monday, the 36-year-old was abruptly forced to unlace her sneakers because of a chest muscle injury that prevented her from stepping on court. Sandra Harwitt, USA TODAY, 4 June 2018 Kumar chewed on the aircraft cables that are used as wire to secure his habitat until one broke, allowing him to unlace the wires. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlace was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unlace

Cite this Entry

“Unlace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlace. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unlace

verb
un·​lace ˌən-ˈlās How to pronounce unlace (audio)
ˈən-
: to loose by undoing a lacing

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