detangle

verb

de·​tan·​gle (ˌ)dē-ˈtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce detangle (audio)
detangled; detangling; detangles

transitive verb

: to remove tangles from
Always detangle wet hair gently with a wide-toothed comb.Elle
Detangle and lay out all your light strings. Check for frayed wires and broken bulbs and repair or replace as needed.Samantha Mazzotta
detangler noun
plural detanglers
Cream rinses are not designed to adhere to the hair for any length of time but are just there to assist with the combing out (detanglers, in effect). Allison Leopold

Examples of detangle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For haircare, check out the markdowns on this SheaMoisture leave-in conditioner, L’Oréal Paris water treatment, and this Crave Naturals detangling brush. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2023 The Airwrap includes a detangling comb, filter cleaning brush and six standard attachments: the Coanda smoothing dryer, 1.2- and 1.6-inch long barrels, firm and smoothing brushes and a round volumizing brush. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Aug. 2023 Historical context offers some guidance in trying to detangle this mess. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 July 2023 Additionally, the detangling properties untangle any matted hair, leaving your dog's coat looking smooth and shiny. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 July 2023 The unique formulation penetrates deeply into the coat, detangling even the most stubborn knots effortlessly. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023 The Good Behavior Spray has four primary functions: detangling, preventing frizz and heat damage, and restoring shine. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023 For thick, coarse textures prone to knots, start at the root and gently finger detangle your hair to the ends. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 Aug. 2023 Pondering your motive for airing a particular story should detangle some of your worries about the subject. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detangle.' 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

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detangle was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near detangle

Cite this Entry

“Detangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detangle. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

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