unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

unfurled the sails

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold

The flowers are starting to unfurl.

Synonyms of unfurl

• expand
• extend
• unfold
• open

Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other

Recent Examples on the Web

In late August, a symbol of hate was unfurled in downtown Orlando. — Linda Chapin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Farmers dumped manure on the streets of Turin on Friday as mass demonstrations unfurled across more than 50 cities in Italy. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

The likely explanation is that American soccer clubs have embraced the traditions of their European counterparts, where fans routinely wave flags, sing chants and unfurl massive banners. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

For smooth surfaces, ants unfurl wet suction cups, which can support 60 times their body weight on smooth glass. — David Hu, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for unfurl

• cowgirl
• schoolgirl
• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold

unfurl sails

unfurl a flag