unlimber

verb

un·​lim·​ber ˌən-ˈlim-bər How to pronounce unlimber (audio)
unlimbered; unlimbering; unlimbers

transitive verb

1
: to detach the limber from and so make ready
unlimber a gun for action
2
: to prepare for operation or performance
unlimbered his banjo and began to play

intransitive verb

: to prepare something for action

Examples of unlimber 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.
There was a sense the sleeping giant was awake, unlimbering itself and rising. Greg Cote, miamiherald, 14 June 2018 What makes this a matter of more than mere ribaldry is that the baristas have unlimbered heavy constitutional artillery. George Will, National Review, 4 Oct. 2017 Piers decided to unlimber himself of his views on social media politicizing ad nauseam, at which point Reid pronounced herself nauseated in the finest way possible: This moment was just too beautiful for words, @susannareid100... Jack Holmes, Esquire, 28 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlimber was in 1760

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlimber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlimber. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unlimber

verb
un·​lim·​ber ˌən-ˈlim-bər How to pronounce unlimber (audio)
ˈən-
: to prepare for action or performance
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