unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove the contents of

unpack a suitcase

b

: unburden, reveal

must … unpack my heart with words

—William Shakespeare

2

: to remove or undo from packing or a container

unpacked his gear

3

: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate

unpack a concept

4

: decompress sense 2

unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container

unpacker noun

Synonyms

• disburden
• discharge
• disencumber
• off-load
• unburden
• unlade
• unload

Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books.

I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home.

By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack.

She's good at unpacking complex concepts.

Recent Examples on the Web

So, unpack that a bit, because this 62 percent of Americans favor deporting all undocumented immigrants. —CBS News, 9 June 2024

Like a successful Costco haul, there’s a lot to unpack here. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 5 June 2024

The true behind-the-scenes moments are when Lauper and her colleagues unpack her songwriting process. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 4 June 2024

Why not unpack once, enjoying fairy godmother-like service, exemplary amenities, and always-changing views for months on end? —Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

ˈən-

1

: to separate and remove things packed

got home and unpacked

2

: to open and remove the contents of

unpack a trunk