unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off : unroll
b
: to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping
c
: to release from tension : relax
2
archaic : to trace to the end
unwinding the labryinth and bringing the hero outLaurence Sterne
3
: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps
unwound most of its natural gas hedgesThe New York Times

intransitive verb

1
: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold
2
: to become released from tension
take a bath to unwind

Examples of unwind in a Sentence

She unwound some thread from the spool. The fishing line unwound quickly. I wanted to unwind after a hard day.
Recent Examples on the Web Book Reading books is such a good way to unwind and relax. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 26 Mar. 2024 Since 1919, this fixture on leafy Margaret Island, a pedestrian-only Danube River hideaway straddling Buda and Pest, has held a series of boisterous, family-friendly pools that call to mind a water park bolstered by ample shady perches to unwind in between splash sessions. Alia Akkam, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2024 Crucially, the pandemic also saw a key anti-violence program, Ceasefire, begin to unwind after it was credited by city officials for a 43% reduction in homicides from 2012 to 2017. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 That's why places like Hotel Wailea exist — to allow grown-ups to unwind in a romantic and exclusive atmosphere. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2024 For a more casual experience, unwind at Bar Fiori and enjoy artisanal cocktails and an impressive wine selection, complemented by a menu of tantalizing small plates. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Swoon-Worthy Spa Getaways Need to unwind and de-stress? Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Who among us hasn’t wanted to unwind after a long day of work with a glass of wine and a hot shower or relaxing bath? Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 Eagle Beach invites visitors to unwind in paradise, whether basking in the sun's warmth, snorkeling amidst marine life, or simply strolling along its picturesque shores. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unwind.' 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 transitive sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near unwind

Cite this Entry

“Unwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwind. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unwind

verb
un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
ˈən-
unwound -ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding
1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off
b
: to become uncoiled or untangled
2
: to make or become free of tension : relax
wanted to unwind after a hard day

More from Merriam-Webster on unwind

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