uncork

verb

un·​cork ˌən-ˈkȯrk How to pronounce uncork (audio)
uncorked; uncorking; uncorks
Synonyms of uncorknext

transitive verb

1
: to draw a cork from
uncork a bottle
2
a
: to release from a sealed or pent-up state
uncork a surprise
b
: to let go : release
uncork a wild pitch

Examples of uncork in a Sentence

uncork a bottle of wine The incident uncorked years of pent-up anger and frustration.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kick off 2026 by uncorking a bottle of Napa Valley's finest. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026 That sealed a 9-6 victory for Canada that looked very unlikely half an hour before when Mouat, arguably the best shot-maker on the planet, uncorked another double take-out to give the British a 5-4 lead after six ends. Matt Slater, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026 Knicks fans, no strangers to letdowns, put their rare bottle of optimism back on the shelf, unsure whether it will be uncorked for the playoffs. Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026 Sam Darnold uncorked a bomb looking for speedy Rashid Shaheed on third down. February 9, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncork

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncork was in 1709

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Cite this Entry

“Uncork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncork. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

uncork

verb
un·​cork ˌən-ˈkȯ(ə)rk How to pronounce uncork (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to draw a cork from
2
a
: to release from a sealed or shut up state
uncork a surprise
b
: to let go : release
uncork a wild pitch

More from Merriam-Webster on uncork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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