unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd  ; unwinding; unwinds

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 labyrinth and bringing the hero out …

—Laurence Sterne

3

: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps

… unwound most of its natural gas hedges …

—The New York Times

intransitive verb

1

: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold

2

: to become released from tension

take a bath to unwind

Synonyms of unwind

• relax

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

Guests can spend the day at one of three oceanfront pools, unwind on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, or join the rotating lineup of activities, from live music and fitness classes to astrology nights, so there’s always something happening. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

Entertaining spaces spill outdoors via large sliding glass doors onto a covered patio and upper balcony, while a wine cellar offers a fitting place to unwind after a day on the links. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

The living room is anchored by a curved sectional, providing a comfortable place to unwind after busy days spent roaming around Roma Norte and visiting the exhibits at the Museo Soumaya or Museo Nacional de Antropología. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

This fragrance has been around since 1995 and is known for helping users to unwind. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unwind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• crosswind
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined

Kids Definition

unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

ˈən-

unwound -ˈwau̇nd  ; 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