unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold

Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other
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.
Pictured below, Greenpeace’s admonishment to the groom, a ground banner unfurled in St. Mark’s square on June 23. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 The show unfurls chronologically and thematically, each subject demarcated with vivid walls thanks to the set design by Paf Atelier under the artistic direction of Anette Lenz, who was inspired by Poiret’s use of bold Fauvist colors throughout his career. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 20 June 2025 Every summer, the rolling hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley welcome rows of blooming lavender that unfurl alongside the region’s iconic vineyards. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025 From our hilltop vantage point, San Juan del Sur unfurled below, leading to a large swath of sandy beach and a glittering ocean. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfurl

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfurl was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfurl. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb
un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold
unfurl sails
unfurl a flag

More from Merriam-Webster on unfurl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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