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

unfolding a parcel

2

: to open to the view : reveal

especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital

unfolded his story to me

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 of unfold

• expand
• extend
• open
• 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

The storytelling, which will unfold across seven chapters to be revealed throughout the season, sees Turlington as the magnetic matriarch of an Italian household, welcoming her family and friends at a countryside villa. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026

The shooting appeared to unfold behind one of the team’s benches in the middle of play, video from the youth-sports streaming service LiveBarn shows. —Mark Morales, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026

The third season, which began airing worldwide in January on Apple TV+, was reportedly delayed because of how similar the plotline is to the real events that have been unfolding in Iran over the past year. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026

Rose’s attempts to make a success of her life will be her undoing, however, a fate that begins to unfold when a neighboring landowner offers her his daughter, Suzanna (Caro Braun). —Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026

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