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

Pattaya born of the Vietnam War In calling in a port near Pattaya, the Lincoln is coming to a rest-and-relaxation spot made famous during the Vietnam War-era as a raucous destination for US servicemembers to unwind from the pressures of war. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Situational Awareness was forced to unwind its trades in late July. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

May through October is when the region is at its liveliest, with day-trippers, weekend visitors, and travelers coming for weeks at a time to unwind. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

After a day of tasting and exploring, unwind with a three-night stay at The Mills House, located in the heart of Charleston. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 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