unlatch

verb

un·​latch ˌən-ˈlach How to pronounce unlatch (audio)
unlatched; unlatching; unlatches

transitive verb

: to open or loose by lifting the latch

intransitive verb

: to become loosed or opened

Examples of unlatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Federal safety regulators published the recall after learning the electronic gate-release, which could unlatch the tailgate while the vehicle is in motion, can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Officials gathered earlier this month at the Iron Gate Dam in Hornbrook, California, to unlatch a gate at the base of its reservoir. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2024 This extra protection does require the user to unlatch the case to pull out their card or cash, which is a tad less convenient than the average magnetic wallet that allows shoppers to slide cards out with one touch. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2023 The Hoover carpet cleaner is also under $200, designed with 360-degree brushes that effortlessly unlatch tough stains. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2023 The tough bristles on these brushes work to unlatch stubborn stains and deep clean everything from grout to drains. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 30 July 2023 The cordless vacuum has a laser that reveals microscopic dust, an LCD screen that displays settings, and two cleaner heads that work to unlatch dust and dirt from hard floors and carpets. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 11 July 2023 The cages were padlocked, a measure to keep the birds from figuring out how to unlatch their enclosures and escape. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2023 Carefully unlatch the sides of the springform. BostonGlobe.com, 23 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlatch.' 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

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlatch was circa 1625

Dictionary Entries Near unlatch

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

unlatch

verb
un·​latch ˌən-ˈlach How to pronounce unlatch (audio)
1
: to open or loose by lifting the latch
2
: to become loosed or opened

More from Merriam-Webster on unlatch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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