unfold

verb

un·fold | \ ˌən-ˈfōld

unfolded; unfolding; unfolds

Definition of unfold

transitive verb

1a : to open the folds of : spread or straighten out : expand unfolded the map

b : to remove (something, such as a package) from the folds : unwrap

2 : to open to the view : reveal especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital

intransitive verb

1a : to open from a folded state : open out : expand

b : blossom

2 : develop, evolve as the story unfolds

3 : to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known a panorama unfolds before their eyes

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Examples of unfold in a Sentence

The couch unfolds to form a bed. We'll have more news as events unfold. We watched the drama unfold on live television. As the story unfolds, we learn that the boy became an orphan when he was one year old.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, fans are wondering how the show will take on what unfolds in Avengers: Endgame. — Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Marvel's 'Agents of Shield' Season 6 Is Going to Deal With 'Avengers: Endgame'," 6 May 2019 And, in part, the ideal match between adultery and fiction had to do with form—that is, the tantalizing way in which both narrative and passion unfold. — Daniel Mendelsohn, Town & Country, "How Infidelity Helped Create the Novel," 2 May 2019 Proudly flying the flags of both body-positivity and racial equality (the action unfolds in early-1960s Baltimore), the brassy musical isn’t camp in its message so much as in its unabashedly outré optics. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "The 5 Campiest Musicals Ever Made," 27 Apr. 2019 Still, wardrobe has played a huge role in how the fantasy drama unfolded over the past eight years. — Glamour, "Yes, the Game of Thrones Costumes "Always" Have a Hidden Meaning," 15 Apr. 2019 Though that teacher was very wrong in predicting how Chan’s career might unfold, becoming a trailblazer of Hollywood’s inclusion movement comes with its own challenges, particularly when entering a multi-billion dollar franchise. — Yolanda Machado, Harper's BAZAAR, "Gemma Chan Knows Hollywood Has a Long Way to Go with Inclusion," 2 Apr. 2019 When: October 27, 2019 How to Gain Entry: The registration process unfolds over several waves. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "4 Ways to Get Into the NYC Marathon—Plus 4 Marathons That Are Much Easier to Enter," 6 Nov. 2018 Both Juventus and Real Madrid fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on how this transfer sage unfolds over the next few days. — SI.com, "Juventus Club President Travels to Cristiano Ronaldo's Hotel in Greece Ahead of Proposed Transfer," 10 July 2018 Many questions remained unanswered Thursday about how the process of reunifications would unfold. — Caitlin Dickerson, New York Times, "Trump Administration in Chaotic Scramble to Reunify Migrant Families," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unfold.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 May 2019

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Time Traveler for unfold

The first known use of unfold was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for unfold

unfold

verb

English Language Learners Definition of unfold

: to spread or cause (something) to spread or straighten out from a folded position

: to happen as time passes

: to be told or made known

See the full definition for unfold in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unfold

verb

un·fold | \ ˌən-ˈfōld

unfolded; unfolding

Kids Definition of unfold

1 : to open the folds of : open up Carefully unfold the map.

2 : to lay open to view or understanding : reveal … Roscuro went on unfolding, step by step, his diabolical plan …— Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

3 : to develop gradually We learn the secret as the story unfolds.