unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld 

unfolded; unfolding; unfolds

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

1

a

: 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

unfoldment

ˌən-ˈfōl(d)-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• expand
• extend
• fan (out)
• flare (out)
• open
• outspread
• outstretch
• spread (out)
• stretch (out)
• unfurl

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

Take the first step today and let your epic story unfold, one courageous step at a time. —Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

An interior glass vestibule was added at the front door to create a small foyer, while the interiors unfold around a sculptural central staircase, leading to a private rooftop garden that crowns the home. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

The story unfolds as Aldrin faces up to his own frailties. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025

The incident reportedly unfolded in Pyramiden – an Arctic town in the archipelago of Svalbard – in late April. —Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unfold

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled

Kids Definition

unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld 

1

a

: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement

unfolded the map

b

: unwrap

2

: bloom entry 2 sense 1

3

: develop sense 1a

as the story unfolds

4

: to open out or cause to open out gradually to the view or understanding

new technology unfolds before us