uncork

verb

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

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.
Reliever Nate Pearson intentionally walked Machado to load the bases, then uncorked a wild pitch to bring home the go-ahead run. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Vargas used his right hand to stun Gonzalez in the second stanza, and then, with his opponent not expecting it, Vargas uncorked a powerful left that put Gonzalez on his back with no chance of recovery. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Right around the time Big Mood was closing up shop in the Crossroads last month, another wine bar and retail shop was uncorking across town. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025 Crow-Armstrong uncorked a 92.5-mph throw to nail a tagging-up Josh Naylor at third base that Gage Workman caught on the fly and got down the tag for the final out of the inning. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncork. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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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